Name: Eric
Occupation: Pastor
Employer: First Presbyterian Church of Tacoma
Gets around by: Car, Bike, Foot, and Skis (once)
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in the North Slope neighborhood and work in the Stadium District so my commute is only about 11 blocks.
How do you get there?
With four kids, I do a fair amount of taxiing, so I do have to drive sometimes. But I try to bike to work as often as I can and I always walk on Sundays. I even skied to work once during the big snowstorm of 2007.
How does it all add up?
While I’m not sure if I save a ton of time or money since my regular commute is so short, but there are many benefits to biking to work for me.
What’s in it for you?
I think that the biking provides a better transition between home and work because I always seem to arrive in a better mood when I bike. Biking makes me more aware of little changes in weather or ‘signs of spring’ that help me feel rooted to this great place in which we live. And lastly, I seem to have more opportunities to greet and be greeted by friends and neighbors when I bike.
Do you have any tips for people who may be trying this mode for the first time?
Keep a very lightweight rain suit on your bike or at your office in case the weather changes for your ride home. Left turns on arterials are the most challenging so think through your strategy in advance. Make a commitment to your biking plan and stick to it. There will be a few hassles and adjustments to be made early on and you may get discouraged, but once you make the adjustments you will realize how easy it is. In addition to watching for traffic signs and other vehicles on the road, keep your eyes open for signs of spring and for friends you might see along the way.