Commuting is one of life’s major inconveniences…And in Boston, where driving has something in common with bloodsports, commuters may find the drive to work is filled with stress, aggression, and a lot of stop/start traffic.

The perils of commuting seem to be pretty universal. Positive psychologists (the happiness experts) report that people who have long commutes report that they are not as happy, perhaps because commuting cuts into time for friends, family, or more pleasurable activities. And it is hard to imagine routine, voluntary activities that are less pleasurable than a long commute.

Cycling to work is a great alternative to car commuting, especially if you live near dedicated cycling routes. Not only do you feel better (and happier, since good health correlates positively with feelings of well-being), but you can reduce your carbon emissions.

Bike to work week, scheduled from May 12-18 in Massachusetts, is a great opportunity to try commuting by bicycle. This year, the City of Boston is organizing the 50,000 Mile Commuter Challenge. Individuals and employers are encouraged to sign up. The goal is for participating cyclists to collectively cycle more than 50,000 miles during that week. Since May is National Bike Month, other states are also organizing events. For more information about cycling events in your area, check out the League of American Bicyclists.