2009 Commuter Profile #4 - Michael Braaten

What is your age? 41.

What is your occupation? I supervise the Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs for the Department of Revenue.

How many years have you been commuting by bike? I've been commuting by bike on and off for more than 30 years.

Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) My usual commute varies depending on traffic conditions and the weather. It's part suburban, part rural, part urban, part freeway. I have a number of great route options to choose from. Some are relatively flat, but my usual route has some good hills.

What got you started bike commuting? I started commuting seriously in college. I attended the University of Washington and worked at a restaurant in Ballard. I didn't have a car, and since it was only 5 miles to work, it was much faster by bike than by bus. In my current job, I am really fortunate to have excellent support at work for bike commuting, including bike parking, alternative commute incentives, and shower facilities. I also get a lot of support from my wife. She is really tolerant of our Friday post-ride "transportation" meetings at my house with my commuter friends.

What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, etc)? I use bike commuting as a way to train for racing cyclocross and mountain bikes. If you've ever seen an early season mountain bike race or a cyclocross race in December, you know that the conditions we faced in early May are typical racing conditions. I also commute with a good friend, and I know he is going to show up at my door to ride every morning, rain or shine.

How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? Weather and traffic conditions are the biggest factors. Some of the roads I ride have little to no shoulder, so while they might be fine on a clear morning with light traffic, they aren't such a good choice with high traffic volumes and bad visibility. When I-5 backs up, it's a lot of fun to ride on the shoulder past hundreds of stopped cars. Most people are supportive and I'm sure a lot of them wish they were riding too.

What style of bike do you ride to commute? I have a Specialized road bike that I ride when it's reasonably dry out, and a Cannondale disc brake cyclocorss bike that has been converted to a wet weather commuter. I have also ridden my Cannondale Scalpel mountain bike to work a few times. My friends and I have a longstanding joke that all of my bikes are mountain bikes.

How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? I have participated in the commuter contest every year since 2004.

2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest Draws to a Close

Yikes! I don’t know how it happened, but it’s almost June, and the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest is almost over! I hope your experience of riding your bike this month to work, school or on errands has been successful and enjoyable. I especially hope that you will share your experience with us by sending in or dropping off your Mileage Log at the Olympia Transit Center before June 8!

Two of the biggest objectives of the BCC are:

1. Getting people out on their bikes for utilitarian purposes, and reaping the many benefits of having fewer cars on the road.
2. Having a record of how much you bicycled, and adding to what we know about the bicycle commuting habits of our community.

To that end, when you signed up, we asked you to ride your bike, and we asked you to keep track of your miles and turn in your log. It doesn’t matter how little you think you rode- even if you only rode once in May, we still want to know about it. Your feedback about road conditions is also very valuable, and the cities and the County take it seriously.
On top of all that, when we receive your log, we can send you your coupon and discount packet, and possibly a prize!

So please, send in or drop off your BCC Mileage Log
(or turn it in to your team captain)
to the Olympia Transit Center, 222 State Ave Olympia, WA 98501
hours: M-F 6:30am-7pm, Sa-Su: 10am-7pm

Make Your Miles Count!

And, come to our grand Awards Ceremony
Saturday, June 20, 2pm at the Olympia Farmer’s Market Main Stage
If you wear your 2009 BCC T-shirt, you can have your picture taken with your bike after the award ceremony. T-shirts are still available at the Olympia Transit Center, and are on sale for $7.50 each, or $5.00 if you buy more than one.

2009 Commuter Profile #3 - Dorothy Lyons

What is your age? fifties
What is your occupation? Programmer/research
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Two years
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? 3
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) I ride about 5 miles, an urban/rural mix, not too hilly.
What got you started bike commuting? My co-worker got me into it. For years I felt I couldn’t bike, because I was carpooling kids. Once the kids were older, I wanted to bike as a more environmentally friendly commute option, but it was hard to make that leap. However, I was inspired by my co-worker’s example. The commute trip reduction incentives then in place also helped provide a little added motivation.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you? Little by little, as my biking days increased, I have added commuting gear – glasses, mirror, visible rain coat, fenders, light. I use a cobb bucket for easy carrying of lunch, clothes, etc (and easy on/off the bike). When it is cold, I wrap a scarf around head/neck under my helmet and wear inexpensive thick ski gloves, and I am cosy even when it is below freezing.
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? It has done wonders for my knee, which had been bothering me for years and now feels great (I am much more comfortable hiking now). It works a little exercise into my schedule, so it actually happens without my needing to think about it. And it forces me out of a potential rut—I get some outdoor sensory input, feel the air, hear the birds, and get a sense of the greater world around me before (or after) settling into work at my desk. It also gives me time for my mind to wander, something I think we don’t do enough of these days. I feel independent and good about getting around on my own power, and that I am decreasing at least a little bit my use of energy resources and output of polluting emissions. And sometimes, especially on a beautiful day, it just feels good! I began riding intermittently because I felt that I should—but I kept it up, and rode more often and in more varied conditions, because of all those additional benefits.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? When it’s super nasty or really inconvenient, I don’t ride, but on those in-between days, or times when inertia is making other transport sound good, there are three things that can push me on: I know that my body benefits (don’t want my knee to start bothering me again!), my surroundings benefit (and so, secondarily, do we all), and I think about how, when I first started riding more consistently, my daughter told me she was proud of me.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? It’s a combination of those.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? I ride my 35-year old road bike. I started commuting on a family hybrid, but I find my old road bike is a lot more fun to ride.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? Remember that it doesn’t have to be all the time. Whatever you manage is a benefit to you and to the rest of us. Thank you!

2009 Commuter Profile #2 - Sean McLaughlin

What is your age? 37
What is your occupation? Transportation Technician III, WSDOT State Materials Laboratory, Bituminous Materials, Bituminous Technology Office
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Consistently for 1 year
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? 2
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) 2 miles one way, Olympia/Tumwater city streets
What got you started bike commuting? I live so close to work that I really don’t have an excuse not to bike to work.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you? I bought high quality rain gear!
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? It’s a great way to get the blood pumping and wake up in the morning.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? My legs keep me going...
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? I take the most direct route.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? I ride a Trek Model EN14766 Series 4 Mountain Bike.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? It seems motorists are generally not really looking for bicyclists, especially when there is no designated bike lane. Wear bright colored reflective clothing even during daylight hours. Stay alert. Don’t expect to be given the right of way even when it legally is yours and, likewise, don’t take it when it’s not.

Bicycle Commuter Contest T-shirts on sale!

We still have at least some of all the sizes of T-shirts available at the Olympia Transit Center, at $7.50 each, or $5.00 each if you buy more than one. Head on down to the OTC and grab t-shirts while they last! The T-shirts are a nice sturdy-weight natural cotton, sweatshop-free manufacture, and locally printed with water-based inks. What a deal, and what a great way to show your support for the Bicycle Commuter Contest, and the rightful place of the amazing BICYCLE as one of today's best transportation solutions!!

Olympia Transit Center 222 State Ave, open 6:30am-7pm weekdays, 10am-7pm weekends.

PLUS - a photo Op!

I will soon be announcing our 2009 BCC Award Ceremony -

and get this: if you show up to the Award Ceremony (having turned in your mileage log, of course!) wearing your BCC t-shirt, I will take a portrait of you in your BCC shirt with your bike and e-mail it to you- FREE!

Stay tuned for details about the Award Ceremony

2009 Commuter Profile #1: Linda Weaver

Linda and her Diamondback on a rainy trip to Portland

(Good thing the weather is better here in Olympia!)

What is your Age? I'm in my Fifties
Your Occupation? Information Technology Specialist (developer)
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Regularly 9; irregularly longer.
Describe your current average or usual commute: I ride about 5½ miles each way, it takes me between half an hour & 45 minutes, depending on how much I want to push myself, the route I take, whether I’m stopping for groceries, etc. My route has a mix of rural, including some nice bike trails, and urban-through the heart of downtown Olympia. The toughest part of my ride, getting started, was the hill up to West Olympia. I use 5th Ave, now, or Sherman St (the first right after the second roundabout going up Harrison from downtown), these are the two mildest routes, with Sherman being the easiest.
What got you started bike commuting? I have two kids and I am concerned about Global Warming and air quality. I felt that talking about these things wasn’t enough: to be a good role model, I needed to also walk the walk. I am grateful to my kids for providing this stimulus.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, etc)? Good rain gear—a waterproof coat!—and fenders, tires with a little tread, as well as visibility gear (bright clothing, front and rear flashing lights) are essential, including some kind of safety glasses (car & truck tires can throw rocks up in your face). Being able to feel dry—including keeping the rain out of your eyes—and safe makes bad weather much more pleasant to be out in. Also, I feel guilty wasting gas & polluting the air when I drive–-people who don’t walk & bike don’t understand how much smelly pollution a single car going by puts out. Also, I need the on-my-own thinking time. So I just feel better—all around—when I ride my bike.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? I take all of these factors into account, but I’m really lucky that way. Most people don’t have as many choices. I certainly try to get to work & back home as quickly as possible, but I like being able to go on bike trails, where they’re available, and through neighborhoods whenever possible, versus sharing the road with cars, as it’s quieter, safer, and less stressful.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? It’s not my recommendation, but I ride a mountain bike. When I started out, all I wanted was a bike that could get me up the hill. So, my bike’s a bit heavy, but I’ve got a crate on the back and I can carry two full bags of groceries, plus my backpack (with my work essentials), on shopping days. Saddlebags or buckets are an even better solution for carrying stuff, as you are more balanced.
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest?
Maybe 10 or 11 times. The Bicycle Commuter Contest is what got me started commuting by bike. I tried it for a month and found out it was doable. I commuted now & then for a couple of years before I committed to year-round riding.

Bike To Work Day and Interagency Ride a Success!

Crank IT! Team Riders and Dept of Revenue Team Riders

Crank IT! team representatives to Interagency Ride

Interagency Bike Ride Group Photo by Bruce Ikenberry

It has been a great day for bicycle commuting in Olympia today, with lots of events and incentives, and GREAT weather! Here's a big Thank You to everyone who biked to work, school or on errands today, and to all the volunteers who made today's events possible. A group of seven Intercity Transit employees (pictured above), including General Manager Mike Harbour, took part in the Interagency Bike Ride, which was a huge success, with well over a hundred riders from a variety of state and local agencies.

Pioneer Elementary Rocks Bike-To-School Day!

Bicycles are everywhere! Pioneer Elementary students filled the bike racks on Bike to School Day. 171 students (approx. 46 percent) rode their bikes to school and countless students walked or rode their scooters.

Submitted by Paul Brewster

Bike To Work and School Day Off to a Great Start!

I've been all over town on my bike this morning, and I'm seeing bikes everywhere! I was one of many volunteers handing out Thank You packets from Intercity Transit to students arriving at local schools by bike. Then I rode around and checked out the Bike Stop hospitality stations being offered by the City Of Olympia- they were handing out bananas, bike maps, muffins, coupons to local bike shops, bike maps and reflective belts! Next it's off to the Interagency Bike Ride at 11:30 starting in the GA building parking lot. Yay for Bike To School and Work Day!

Bike to School and Work Day Tomorrow!

The weather is forecast to be great tomorrow- keep your fingers crossed, and if it rains, get out there and ride your bike anyway, whaddya say!

• Bicyclce CommuterContest participants enter the actual miles you ride on your log, and then DOUBLE them in the space provided!
• Be sure to stop at one of the Bike Stations around town, see the poster below for exact locations.
• *Kids! If your school is participating in Bike-to-School Day activities, there will be volunteers from Intercity Transit at your school in the morning, handing out goodies to arriving bike riders!

Ecology Team Bike-to-Work Convoy

The Washington State Department of Ecology is participating in the Bicycle Commuter Contest as the Clean Air Act team again this year, and they have 100 riders signed up! Their Team Captain Margaret Hill organized a "Bicycle Convoy" ride-to-work day on Wednesday, May 13, in which over 20 team members took part including Jay Manning, Ecology’s Director.

"Go, Clean Air Act!!"

*If your team is organizing a similar "get-out-the-bikes" event, send me the details and a photo, and I will post it on our blog!

Olympia Bike To Work Day Events

National Bike-To-Work Day Coming up this Friday!

Ride your bike to work, school or on errands on Friday and earn double miles in the Bicycle Commuter Contest!
The City of Olympia will be hosting three Bicyclist Hospitality Stations offering refreshments and goodies for bike commuters. They will be at Heritage Park downtown, Ralph's Thriftway on the Eastside, and the Woodland Trail trailhead at Eastside Street. For area Agency employees, there is the Interagency Bike Ride, starting at 11:30 in the parking lot behind the GA building.
We'll be posting more info later today and tomorrow about these local events, and you can learn more about National Bike-To-Work Day by visiting the League of American Bicyclists site as well. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

Remember to keep logging those miles, and keep riding, never mind a little rain! See you out there pedaling!

Bicycle Drawing Winners!!!

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest Bike Drawing!! We performed a random electronic number selection drawing for the two bikes so generously donated by sponsors Jamis Bicycles (thanks to OlyBikes), and New Belgium Brewery.

• Eric Tonder of Olympia won the New Belgium Brewery bike. Eric is a contest veteran, having participated last year, and several past years as well. Eric does his 4-mile one-way commute by bike as often as possible, but also balances a busy schedule and sometimes takes the kids to school in the car. He plans to ride his new bike to work tomorrow, to show all his envious colleagues!
• The winner of the Jamis Comfort Bike is Meg Spidle, a young (4-year-old) but intrepid bicycle commuter! Meg rides her own bike to school, and on longer errands, rides along in a bike trailer. Four members of Meg's family are signed up for this years Contest, and all ride their bikes regularly. Meg's dad commutes year round, regardless of the weather. Though it will be a few years before Meg can ride the Jamis bike on her own, other members of the family will be putting it to good use it in the meantime, according to mom Holly Davies.
  Congratulations Meg and Eric- lucky winners of the BCC Bike Drawing for 2009!!
  Many thanks to Jamis, OlyBikes and New Belgium Brewery for providing the bikes!!

Last Year's Record Participation Surpassed!

Pioneer Elementery School has submitted their team roster with 118 riders, propelling our registrations beyond last year's record of 1488, to a new record of 1575 participants registered so far, with one day left to register. It's not too late to get in on the fun, and benefits to the health of your planet, your community and yourself- sign up today or tomorrow for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest! Registration closes at 7pm Friday, May 8.

For those of you already signed up, remember to keep up with entering your miles on your mileage logs, and most important, keep riding and riding safely! Be brave about the weather, it's still early in the month, and it will improve. This might be just the time to head to your friendly local bike shop to see about fenders, rain gear and expertise on riding in the elements.

*In-Person Registration Deadline Extended*

• We had a successful weekend at two local events- the Lacey Alternative Energy Fair on Saturday, and the Outdoor Life Fair on Sunday- between the two events I signed up 57 more participants for the Bicycle Commuter Contest!
• We have extended the deadline to register: if you are willing to make it down to the Olympia Transit Center, and bring cash or check for $5.00, you can still register for the BCC, until 7pm Friday, May 8. Please do not mail your form in at this point.
• It is now too late to be entered for the drawing for the bicycles we are giving away. The drawing for the bikes will be held today or tomorrow, and results will be posted here, as soon as we are able to contact and notify the winners.
• Our awesome T-shirts are still available at the Transit Center, make sure to pick one up while you're there!