The Pacific Northwest is known for many things-its rainy winters, stunning summers, the close-to-home nature, and of course a desire to be outside and experience all that the outdoors has to offer through recreation activities. For many, the idea of recreation is a leisure activity, something to do on a sunny Saturday in June, but for some of our staff members that simply is not enough time. In honor of National Bike Month, we spoke to our staff members who bike to work year-round.
The Seattle area is equipped with so many cycle trails and lanes making cycling to work an easy and efficient option. It allows our staff the opportunity to be outside and active during a time when many are
sitting in traffic commuting to and from work. While this might not be a practical option for everyone, for those who are able to utilize this method of regular transportation, it can be a game changer.
We know that trying to move our bodies every day, in whatever way we can, is important. We also know that getting fresh air can be a super beneficial boost for our mood and mental health. However, life happens, getting stuck in traffic for an hour and half can really impact the time we have later to take care of ourselves. That is one of the things that is so appealing about cycling to work. Commuters who cycle can get fresh air and move their bodies while doing something they would have to do regardless-getting to and from work.
In addition to the personal benefits it has, it is also a great alternative to driving that can really help the environment that we all love to enjoy. And with the extension of the light rail to Bellevue, on the days where work is more physically demanding, cyclists have more flexibility than ever to tailor their commute to each day’s needs.
Read on for a little cycle inspiration and to hear from our staff the ways that switching up their commute impacts their days.
Elena: Daily Mileage: 18 Miles Round Trip
Elena is our Day Camps Program Coordinator, which means that her commute is constantly changing, especially during the spring and summer months. Between our day camp locations at both Magnuson Park in Seattle and Lake Sammamish in Issaquah as well as our headquarters in Bellevue, Elena finds herself all over the city.
Elena invested in an assist bike, a decision that was made for both economic and environmental reasons, she has not looked back since! As someone who bikes daily in the summer and frequently throughout the year, she has a lot of experience on Seattle’s bike trails and wisdom to impart. She suggests riding with a co-worker when possible and investing in high visibility equipment, especially for those dark winter days. It’s also equally important to use the resources you have around you. Allowing yourself to take a break and use public transit when you need it can improve your experience-in Elena’s case she prefers the light rail, especially to cross the bridges on rainy days. When asked how biking has connected Elena to her community she noted, “You kind of start to notice who’s on the trail at the same time as you, and you might not know their name, but you probably wave at them every day, so that’s nice.”
Katy: Daily Mileage: 30 Miles Round Trip
For Katy, our Let’s Go Program Coordinator, biking as a main form of transportation is a newer experience. Before moving to Seattle (a little over a year ago), biking was more of a leisure activity for her, spending much of her time beach cruising. Though she knew Seattle had a large bike community, it wasn’t until she had officially moved here that she realized how vibrant and supportive it was.
Since moving here and deciding to give bike commuting a try, she has learned a lot. Katy has found a bike community (and some awesome coworkers) that supported her in learning the tricks of a successful commute. One of the lessons she learned early on that she still stands by today is to make sure you are investing in the right equipment. Using a backpack (stocked with your laptop, lunch, etc.) can create a lot of weight and resistance. Her experience drastically improved once getting cargo racks for her bike. When it comes to her “why”, Katy said “getting up early and doing something with my body just starts my day off a whole lot better.”
Emily Coulter: Daily Mileage: 22-32 Miles Round Trip (Depending on where she is based)
Whether she is at one of our ACCs, a school, or tuning up bikes at our headquarters, as a Program Coordinator focusing on our cycling programs, Emily’s days are always filled with cycles. She has been a dedicated bike commuter for years. Her previous commute was only about 8 miles round trip and was a great training ground to get her prepared for a journey that somedays can be about 32 miles round trip.
For Emily, having firsthand experience on trails, and being able to use personal experiences to help make sure participants are set up for success is a huge plus that comes directly from biking regularly. Her biggest tips? Invest in fenders, and non-insulated pogies to keep your legs, feet, and hands dry and talk to other cyclists to learn about the best routes. Cycling isn’t just a commute for Emily, being outside and in nature just makes her happy. “All the miles can add up, but you’re out in the fresh air, you get to see and feel the seasons change. As the spring comes then fall, I just love being out in nature.”
Taylor: Daily Mileage: 32 Miles Round trip
On the mornings when our Cycling Senior Program Manager, Taylor bikes to work (which is often), he typically leaves home around 7:30/7:45am to get into the office by 9:00am. His commute typically takes about an hour and twenty minutes each way. Taylor first started using his bike as a primary mode of transportation in college. What started as a 3-mile commute to his college has become a 32-mile round trip ride between his home and our headquarters in Bellevue.
The expansion of the light rail has transformed his commute. On the days that the weather isn’t great or maybe he is going to be super active with work, he is able to supplement his ride and give his legs a break for a few miles here and there with the help of the light rail. When it comes to the winter months, you can still find Taylor on his bike. He says the most important things you need in the winter are a good raincoat and a change of socks because your shoes will get soaked. But his biggest tip? Make sure you have good lights that are reliable on your bikes, generator hubs to keep your lights powered can relieve some stress, making the need to charge lights non-issue. For Taylor, biking is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a way to connect with people. Whether it’s with his local bike shop or his coworkers, it fosters a community. “I feel a lot more connected to my city. You can experience your city in totally new way and appreciate all the little changes.”
Koby: Daily Mileage: 33 Miles Round Trip
For our Donor Relations Manager, Koby, biking to work is her every day. After starting at Outdoors for All and realizing her driving commute was going to be longer, she looked for alternatives. Committing to the bike commute only took one day of getting stuck in terrible traffic. She swapped her daily traffic for an electric bike, and every morning hits the Inter-Urban bike path before making her way across the 520 bridge and to our office.
In addition to her feeling stronger physically, since swapping to a bike commute, Koby finds herself significantly less stressed and overall happier. As someone who bikes every day, throughout the year, she
knows what you need to have when the weather turns. Koby will tell you, “There is no bad weather, just bad gear.” Having the right layers (including waterproof biking pants), waterproof shoes, insulated gloves and a good rain jacket make the bike commute possible no matter what the forecast is. Being able to come home and relax after work knowing that you have already exercised for two hours is a great way to end the day. But more than that, and Koby says it best, “Getting fresh air is also good for the soul 😊.” And we couldn’t agree with her more.
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For general inquiries or questions regarding programs please email us at info@outdoorsforall.org.