Name: Clara
Occupation: Events Assistant, Student
Employer: Downtown On the Go, University of Puget Sound
Gets around by: Bike usually
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in the north end near campus, and work downtown on 11th and Pacific Ave.
How do you get there?
I almost always bike to work – I take Yakima St. to St. Helens Ave. and cruise in the bike lanes the whole way there
How does it all add up? How much money or time do you save?
I certainly save money by not driving to work downtown – both in gas and parking in the city. My employer pays for a bike cage membership, so my commute is entirely free. It takes me less than 10 minutes to get to work, and just over 12 minutes to get home with the hills. I haven’t driven to work, but I bet the time is pretty comparable!
What’s in it for you?
I love to be on my bike, so I’ll take any excuse to ride. I really enjoy starting my day riding to work. What an awesome way to wake up. It’s also great on the ride home to give my legs a bit of a workout. I’m doing a good thing for my body, wallet, and the environment all at once!
Do you have any tips for people who may be trying these modes for the first time?
I grew up in a rural area, so biking downtown and around so many cars was intimidating to me when I moved here. My tip is to not let fear hold you back! People in cars are generally very considerate and treat people on bikes well. And of course, practice helps you build confidence.