Scott Krautman is a sales and marketing executive in southern Florida who says he began riding his bike to work every day a few years ago, and that it is one of the smartest things that he has ever done.

"There are some obvious benefits, and I guess they are all that really matter to me," he says. "I get to use my bike for more than just recreation; it becomes a mode of transportation, a way of getting from Point A to Point B. And I get some exercise at the same time. And of course, I'm one less car on the road, so I'm reducing my carbon footprint."

Scott Krautman works at a small TV station in West Palm Beach, Florida, about five miles from his home. He has been there since 2012, and riding his bike to and from work since the middle of 2013. "I used to see this guy on my way home from work every day," he says. "There I am, stuck in rush hour traffic. And I'd see this guy breeze along on his bike. He was obviously coming home from work because he had a suit on, which I thought looked a little funny at first. But I saw him almost every day. And I was usually in some traffic jam. It got me to thinking."

Scott Krautman decided to become like that man, and start riding his bike to work. He already had a bike and rode it a lot anyway, and since the distance to work was so little he decided it would be silly to keep driving each day, especially since he almost always would hit heavy traffic. At first it worried him because there was no shower for him to use at work, and feared that he would get there all sweaty. "But it turned out that wasn't much of an issue," he says. "I just pace myself, and keep it in medium gears so I'm not working too hard. When I get to work, I always feel great."

Scott Krautman carries work papers and other materials he needs in panniers, which are carrying pouches that fit on each side of a bike's rear wheel. "I used a backpack at first, but heat did become an issue. A pack over my back got me a little sweaty." So he switched to the panniers, and it has made all the difference.

He also uses a Velcro strap around his right ankle to keep his pants leg away from the greasy bike chain. Other than that, Scott Krautman doesn't use any special clothing or gear for bike commuting. "All I have to do," he says, "is enjoy the ride."