Bike Commute Diaries: I’m Not a Real Commuter

A tip of my cycling cap goes to the hardcore men and women who commute daily alongside 45 mph traffic. I am not one of you. Today, I put on my lycra big girl panties, donned my hi-viz security blanket, and intrepidly rode Central Expressway to avoid suicide-related Caltrain delays. If this was my only bike option, I’d drive.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: I’m a Big Spender

When Black Friday comes, I’ll park outside the door. And spend a big wad of money at the most bike-friendly store. Riding my bike has changed my shopping habits: I shop closer to home and more often at small businesses. Great merchandise without the driving and parking hassles and my sales tax stays local.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Bike the Vote

I live in a state that offers vote by mail so I don’t have to wait in line to vote. But there’s something about dropping off my ballot at the polling station that feels right. Lucky for me I skipped the line in the parking lot too.

Note: If you haven’t already voted and you’re undecided about which local candidates support bicycling, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offers these endorsements. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition cannot endorse candidates, but has posted results to “ask the candidate” surveys related to bike-related issues.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Friday Night Party Train

Happy hour starts earlier when you have buddies in the Caltrain bike car. Happy Friday, everyone!

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Will Stop to Shop

What can I say? I’m a woman. When I see a new, interesting-looking store with a sale sign in the window and folks walking in, I have to stop and see what the fuss is. Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to pull over and park on University Avenue when you’re on a bike than in a car. Let me rephrase that: not just easier, possible.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Flying with First Class Parking

When your boss is in Seattle and your boss’ boss is in Orange County, the airport starts to feel like just another transit station. See my bike in the parking garage at San Jose airport. See the terminal door behind the line of taxis. Priority parking without mileage requirements or paying for an upgrade.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: 24 Hour Fitness

Before I started bike commuting I dreaded the shorter fall days that shut down my after work rides on trails or backroads. I pondered: should I join a gym? But I never did. Now, when I go to the grocery store after work I ride past a roomful of gym rats slaving away on machines in front of big TV screens. I smile and keep rolling.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Spare Our Air

When the thermometer rises toward triple digits and sends the ozone to the unhealthy levels, my crankiness rises accordingly. Officials kindly request that we all telecommute, bike, carpool or take transit to reduce car emissions. Before I bike commuted, I’d drive to work as usual and skip after work trips. Now I resent breathing bad air when I see people stacked up on the freeway, business as usual. Transit, bike or carpool, anyone?

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: Let Me Pull Over and Check

So you’re driving down the freeway or a busy city street and your phone makes that irresistible sound: whoop! It’s a text message, probably from the friend you’re driving to meet. Or you’re lost and you need to read the map and there’s nowhere to pull over. So irritating! But rarely a problem for me when I’m riding my bike.

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.

 

Bike Commute Diaries: The Elevator Pitch

One of the most basic marketing messages is the elevator pitch: your story, succinct enough for a 30 second elevator ride. Almost every morning, the elevator at work gives me a chance to hone my pitch. Co-worker: “Where did you ride in from?” Me: “From the train station downtown. It’s only a few miles away on the river trail, so it’s easy and relaxing.” Co-worker: “Oh yeah, the river trail is really close. Maybe I’ll try it this weekend.”

About the Bike Commute Diaries: Launched in May 2012 for National Bike Month, this series explores the unexpected and surprising things I’ve learned about bicycling for transportation.