For the past couple of years, I’ve made a commitment to bike instead of drive as often as I can, and it is paying off in many ways.
So far in 2017, I’m off to a great start, thanks in part to mild winter weather, better gear, and an understanding and encouraging work place. Continue reading
Filed under My life
I bike often. On my best weeks, I strive to ride at least 100 miles. Most of those miles are part of work commutes and errand runs, replacing motorized vehicle miles.
I measure the miles with a smartphone app called Strava. It is an incredibly useful (and addictive) tool for runners, hikers, cyclists and more who want to measure the distances they cover and map where they are going or where they have been. Continue reading
Filed under Urban Planning
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions, but this year was an exception. I asked for some better cycling gear (used road bike, padded bike shorts) and slowly building myself up to becoming a bike commuter. For someone who often doesn’t have time to work out, there is no better solution that to work out while getting to the places you need to be and biking has been good for my body too (I’ve lost 10 pounds).
I braved several cold rides in January and February (including a few below 20 degrees) that convinced me that I could handle the 9-mile distance from my house to my downtown office. My back up plan has always been to take the bus on rainy days or days where I couldn’t bike, but I’ve even decided to ride in the rain if needed. Continue reading
Filed under My life
I’ve been reevaluating my work commute and transit habits for several months. I’ve been looking for more ways to incorporate riding the bus and biking as an alternative to driving my car.
I’m close to dropping my parking deck in downtown Richmond to save $45 monthly and instead bike for free or put that money to use in $3 round-trip for the GRTC bus route or the occasional $5-$7 parking deck fee near my office.
Filed under My life
Phil Riggan 