| Although it stands to reason that a commuter should | | | | for the whims of the popular tastemakers, |
| be mindful of the Way of the Commuter, it would | | | | consideration for other users on the roadways inspires |
| seem that we are all negligent. Consequently, if | | | | reciprocation. In simple terms, yield the right of way to |
| someone were to ask, "What is the true meaning of | | | | faster moving vehicles whenever possible. While the |
| the Way of the Commuter?" the person who would | | | | Way allows for a certain degree of traffic law |
| be able to answer promptly is rare. This is because it | | | | evasion, the sight of a commuter flagrantly ignoring the |
| has not been established in one's mind beforehand. | | | | law of the road only serves to infuriate motorists. |
| From this, one's unmindfulness of the Way can be | | | | Purity is an almost unattainable goal for commuters, as |
| known. | | | | the inevitable weakness of the human body eventually |
| Negligence is an extreme thing. | | | | hinders one's ability to ride--even if only temporarily. Still, |
| The Way of the Commuter is found in riding. When | | | | the commuter must aspire to ride every day, only then |
| the question is whether to ride or not, the answer is | | | | can the commuter be prepared to ride as often as the |
| always to ride. The Way of the Commuter places | | | | body is able. |
| emphasis on many qualities, including loyalty, | | | | Modesty is a virtue, as no matter how many miles the |
| self-sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, | | | | commuter rides, there is always someone riding |
| purity, modesty, frugality, commuting spirit, honor and | | | | farther, longer, faster, higher, with more weight and in |
| affection. | | | | worse conditions than oneself. The commuter only |
| Loyalty is a forgotten asset in this day and age, and | | | | needs to consider the saddle time of a stalwart bicycle |
| society has come to regard sacred institutions as little | | | | messenger, who cannot rest during the day, to be |
| more than folklore. Remaining loyal to the Way trains | | | | once again humbled. |
| the mind and body. The commuter rides with a steely | | | | Frugality is an indispensable quality for the commuter, |
| resolve, hardened by countless miles, and avoids the | | | | as all cycling equipment eventually fails and must be |
| temptation of the combustion engine. | | | | repaired or replaced. Thus, the question is often |
| Self-sacrifice is an often-misunderstood character trait. | | | | whether to buy new or upgrade the old. When it |
| Not intended to be a basis for self-righteousness or | | | | comes to expenditure, there is but one justification--if |
| self-pity, self-sacrifice keeps the commuter humble and | | | | the purchase will cause one to ride more then the cost |
| grateful. The commuter takes solace in knowing their | | | | is justified. |
| sacrifice of temporary comfort and efficiency will be | | | | The commuting spirit is kept alive by those who are |
| rewarded with strength, knowledge and a clean | | | | faithful to the Way. While boasting is contrary to the |
| conscience. | | | | commuter's ethos, an honest exaltation of the days |
| Justice often appears to elude the commuter, as | | | | ride among peers keeps the spirit alive. |
| ignorant automobile operators cause havok on the | | | | There is no honor among thieves, but there is honor |
| world's roadways without repercussion. While it is | | | | among bicycle commuters. Regardless of distance |
| tempting, and in rare cases necessary, to take charge | | | | traveled, the commuter acknowledges their peer's |
| of such matters, the Way teaches patience and | | | | perseverance and sacrifice. |
| resolve. When harassed, deny the offender the | | | | Affection for fellow commuters is an important tactic |
| satisfaction of acknowledging their affront. When the | | | | in the battle for bicycle proliferation. A friendly nod or |
| situation merits confrontation, the wise commuter | | | | casual wave encourages a sense of community |
| chooses thought and reason before U-lock. | | | | among cyclists, and could potentially initiate |
| A well-developed sense of shame is a useful tool for | | | | companionship, camaraderie or even friendly |
| the commuter. While cycling to work affords the | | | | competition. |
| commuter a deserving sense of pride, a commuter | | | | Ultimately, it is up to each and every commuter to |
| who has succumbed to automotive temptation knows | | | | follow in the Way, and to enlighten their fellow man. So |
| no pride that day. | | | | go forth, brothers and sisters, and carry on in the Way |
| Refined manners influence society's view of | | | | of the Commuter. |
| commuters as a whole. While the commuter cares not | | | | |