Liz Fallon
How Long have you been commuting?
4 years
Why do you commute?
Conveniently, it's incredibly fun. But beyond that, it exemplifies my ideals - increase simplicity, decrease compliance with the gas-guzzling, environmentally-unsustainable society; increase time outdoors, getting exercise, being in tune with my community, decrease the constant drone of individualistic drudgery. Plus, I don't have to worry that that potentially expensive squeak or smell is coming from my car.
How far do you commute?
3/4 of a mile (I purposefully live close to work.)
Do you commute all year?
In the winter months I walk. I'm nervous to bike in the snow, too cheap to buy treads, and have really mastered the layering necessary for the walk. And, it makes breaking out the bike again a true resurrection for the spring!
What type of bike do you ride?
My preferred daily bike is an old Schwinn Collegiate (someone told me it's from the 1970s) with 2 working speeds (it sits me perpendicular to the road, so I feel really alert and visible to drivers). But for long rides I have a hand-me-down Specialized 10-speed of some sort.
Do you have any tips for commuting?
- Plan your route ahead of time
- Get over the counter-intuitive nature of riding far from parked cars and/or the curb. Though it seems more dangerous, it's actually much safer. When you're commanding a lane, the drivers can see you. It's better that they get annoyed and see you than hit you.
- The more confident you are in lane-changes, turns, etc, the more respect the drivers will give you. Eye contact helps, too.
What gear does a person need to commute?
I'm pretty simplistic. A helmet and good lights
