Jeff Nixa
How Long have you been commuting?
I don't really think about "commuting" to work- the bike is how I travel everywhere. Work is just one of the places I go to, on my bike. I never really stopped commuting since I got my first bike as a kid. I rode to elementary school, then high school, then around college campus, then to grad school, then to my jobs...I've always travelled primarily by bicycle. I even hooked my wife-to-be back in grad school, by teaching her how to change a flat on her bicycle. That must have impressed her more than the car owned by the ND law school graduate she was dating at the time--because she wound up marrying me :-)
Why do you commute?
Its fun. I feel better, on my bike. Connected with my environment and community when I bike. I do some of my best thinking, problem solving, stress-relieving and prayer on my bike. I show my kids a better way to live and move. And I believe cars are just a dumb, thoughtless way to get around in your community, and our world. The long-term consequences of car-travel are all bad; the long term consequences of bike travel are all good: for self, for community, and the world. When one person leaves the car at home and travels by bike, society as a whole benefits.
How far do you commute?
My current job is only 1 mile from my home. Longest commute was in grad school- about 10 miles each way from the hills of suburban SW Portland, Oregon into downtown, and back up the hills, every day. I was riding to the county courthouse, as a law student, then as a lawyer. I kept my shiny shoes, suit and neckties in the maintenance locker room, and brought a clean shirt in my pack each day. Now, in such a short distance, I don't even break a sweat, so I can wear whatever I'm going to wear at work.
Do you commute all year?
Sure- its faster than car or walking, door to door. I have studded bike tires for winter, which totally take ice out of the picture as a problem. And quality rain gear (Goretex) and duck boots for the rain. I learned about rain in Portland, OR.
What type of bike do you ride?
Currently a Diamondback mountain bike I got at Dick's. Nothing fancy, end-of season sale, but durable and parts are easy to get. Every bike I have ever owned has been stolen, eventually. So I'm not big on high-end bikes. Winter salt, sand and ice are hard on bike chains, gears, paint, parts if you don't clean them every single day. So it's a workin' guy's bike. It was assaulted while locked up outside my inner city office last year: a guy attacked it with a big cinder block and a brick. The frame and lock held up, so after I got new wheels and fixed up all the bent and sheared off parts, I now ride it proudly with all the wounds, as a big Finger to the thugs out there that don't understand the resilient Spirit of real bikers.
Do you have any tips for commuting?
Purchase whatever bike and gear you need to be comfortable on your bike, because if its not fun to ride, you won't stick with it very long. With today's seats, frame designs and clothing there is no reason to ride a single block feeling too hot, too cold, butt too sore, etc. There is an appropriate bike for every person's use.
What gear does a person need to commute?
This is a highly individual matter- some commuters go simple and others have more crap on their bikes than a yacht. I have wide fenders, high-intensity blinder lights for night, water bottle cage, a small emergency tool/flat kit. Theft-proof hubs on my wheels and seat post. A huge, inch-thick short-loop Kryptonite Gorgon keyed cable lock. Winter: studded mountain bike tires for ice. Summer: thinner, lighter tires with less aggressive tread. Lately I've been carrying a cell phone for good citizen purposes as I ride: reporting a loose dog, an abandoned car, an aggressive driver/license plate.