Submitted By: Jeff Kent (Jeff.Kent@rhi.com)
Challenge
As the world warms up and our climate continues to change, reducing our personal carbon footprint will become ever more increasingly important.
Changing the way we commute to is probably the biggest single change an individual can reduce his or her own footprint. For 30 years, I’ve biked to work. Ever since I was 14, I’ve ridden my bike to my place of work. 2008 was my best bike to work year, having commuted 6300 miles (146 ride days).
Solution Details
GEAR:
I ride different bikes, depending on the season. I only commute on a road bike. I don't commute on my mountain bike, primarily because I don't like to ride long distances in an upright position. I mix it up between my old touring bike (the bike I mainly ride in the winter), my 2 Italian bikes, my Merlin and an S-Works. I used to work as a bike mechanic in college, so I have several bikes.
I have highly reflective tape on my backpack, my fenders and my helmet. I have 2 red LED blinking lights mounted on the rear of the bike. My primary headlight is a German Made Lumotec Oval Plus Light. It's LED and very bright. It runs off an SON hub integrated into my front wheel (no batteries!) It also has a built-in capacitor so it stays on when I stop.
I keep my day clothes in a locker at work. My employer, Robert Half International, Inc., graciously provides a locker and a showering facility. I carry a cell-phone, repair tools/tubes, and my lunch in small backpack. Not having to carry a change of clothes is very nice.
ROUTES:
I like to mix up my route, especially in the spring/summer/fall. I go to and from work via different routes, so I don't get bored doing the same ride day in and day out. Know the laws of the road. Bikes are considered vehicles, just like cars. Respect pedestrians and their right of way, especially when on the trails frequently used by Pedestrians. Slow down and call out. They will appreciate it.
People seem to drive in patterns and try and leave for work at set times, especially in the morning. I've noticed more traffic on the roads at 7:30 and 8:00 AM vs. 7:40 AM. (I usually leave for work at 7:40 AM). Be aware of schools and their start times. Schools usually mean lots of kids, cars and parents all jostling for position to drop the kids off.
SAFETY:
Always, always, be aware! Drivers don't look for you. Be especially careful when riding into the sun (i.e heading East in the early morning). Be as visible as you can, especially when riding at night. Reflective tape is very cheap and very effective. If riding at night, invest in a good light system.
I don't wear any kind of music player on my ears when riding my bike because I consider hearing just as important as seeing when it comes to being aware of your surroundings, where cars are, where pedestrians are, etc.
Benefits & Payback
According to www.gasfreecommute.com (where I track my ride days), my bike commuting in 2008 resulted in over 6000 pounds of greenhouse omissions NOT being created and approximate savings of over 300 Gallons of GAS.
Bike commuting helps me keep in shape and keep my weight down. When I'm off the bike for a week or more, I know it, because I start gaining
weight.
Informational Links
www.gasfreecommute.com
www.511.org
http://www.bayareabikes.org/btwd/index.php
