by
Shift San Diego
| Nov 22, 2016
It is American Diabetes Month and what better way to bring awareness to the month than by speaking to Associate Director John C. of the American Diabetes Association and learning about his bike commute? Not only does biking provide the physical activity your body needs to help prevent diabetes, it also helps put you in a better mood for work. Read more about what motivates John C. to make this commute happen at least 3 times a week.
Q: What motivates you to ride to work?
A: I ride to work for several reasons: 1) I find the commute by car can be extremely frustrating and when I ride it tends to leave me in a much happier mood during the day. 2) I think it is important that we all try to do something to reduce our use of fossil fuels, and this is a small way I can do that. 3) I love the workout that I get when I ride to work. While my legs may feel tired, I feel energized.
Q: How did you get started?
A: I must admit that it took a little planning to get started because I often have to drive to various meetings, not to mention dealing with clothing, etc. Ultimately, I decided on a method that seems to work well for me. I have an armoire at the office where I keep a week’s worth of clothing; I drive to the office on Monday morning, ride home, then ride back to the office the next day. This allows me to have a car at the office should I need it.
Q: How would you describe your level of experience bike riding?
A: While I do enjoy riding, prior to starting to ride to work I had not really done much riding for about a year prior to that point. I just kept making excuses about time and such, but once I started it’s been amazing.
Q: What do you need to get started?
A: A person can get started fairly easily and relatively cheaply. I bought a used bike for $150, an inexpensive helmet for $30, a bike pump, small tool kit and spare tube, bike shoes, cycling shorts, and a jersey. All together I spent about $300. While there are many items which you can buy for more, it’s not necessary to get started.
Q: What do you like about your bike commute?
A: Passing cars!! I love when I get to pass cars that are stopped due to gridlock.
Q: What is the most challenging part about bike commuting?
A: Not getting lazy.
Q: How does your company support bike commuters?
A: I am fortunate in that I have a place to keep my bike and we have showers in our building.
Q: How do you make sure you maintain your bike?
A: I try to watch for specials on Groupon and take it in every quarter to be tuned up.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to try biking to work?
A: Find a friend/co-worker and start by meeting up and riding together. It may mean someone has to drive a little so you can meet up, but soon you’ll be riding to the meet ups.
Q: What are the benefits of biking?
A: I really can’t underscore how happy I feel after I get home or get to work on a bike. It’s amazing.
Q: Describe how you feel when you bike.
A: It’s funny because when you ride a bike you often feel like you are all alone in the world and what do I do if I get a flat or something? When I started riding, it brought an awareness of the goodness of people and the community it creates, especially when people started to say, “Hey, if you ever need a ride or get stuck, just let me know.” It’s also great when cyclists who are stopped are asked by other cyclists, “You ok? Got everything?” Life is good!
Resources to help you GO by BIKE. iCommute has the information you need to get moving!
For more information on American Diabetes Month, click here.