“Why?” 17
“I detest the hassle of traffic and how the anger flows over into my home life. I love the freedom and being outdoors, experiencing the weather and able to choose where I go and how fast I ride. I arrive at work or home with an endorphin high that is essential to my mental health. I must also admit that I do take some pleasure in breezing the all too common lines of foreign-oil dependent vehicles stalled in traffic.” JOHN STREICH Contract Consultant, Geo-Consult Seattle, WA
“I’m almost positive that I’d go insane if I didn’t. It wakes me up in the morning, keeps me energized and happy, keeps me fit, and saves me a ridiculous amount of money.” RENAI MIELKE Bike commuter for 10 months Receptionist/Admin Assistant, Cannon Fish Company, Seattle, WA
Kerry Guglielmin pedals her royal-blue hybrid bike to work beside the Rideau Canal, which weaves its way through Canada’s capital, Ottawa. She’s a library technician for the Canadian Medical Association. “Biking to work perks you up in the morning and it’s a good stress relief after work,” said Guglielmin. “I just kind of lollygag on the way home, checking out the sights of the seasons – the ducks and flowers in the spring, the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. You’re not part of the rat race.” The wire basket attached to the back of her bike carries everything she needs for work: clothes, lunch and shoes. “I buy casual clothes made of fabrics that don’t wrinkle too much.” On the bike she plays it safe: “I’m very, very cautious. I wear bright fluorescent colors so I’m easily seen. I leave a metre between my bike and parked cars when I pass, and when necessary, I take the lane.” By riding her bike to work Guglielmin saves $6,600 (Canadian) every year. LAUREL-LEA SHANNON www..womenscycling.ca