Profile of Convert #1: A Conservative Cycles Home

My friend Christine and I love to debate. Typically, we debate politics and religion. Most recently, we debate environmental issues and what to do about them. She tends to be right-wing on a lot of issues. I tend to be left-wing.

Nevertheless, both of us like to think we can cross those traditional lines for good ideas. This year Christine proved she can. Rather than replace her aging car, she bought a used bike and started getting to work with a combination of the bike and CalTrain. She does this not once or twice a week but everyday, rain or shine.

Although Christine is skeptical of some claims about climate change, she didn't let that stop her from cycling to work. She says she has shaved 20 minutes off her commute in the process because she doesn't sit in traffic anymore.

She gets to park her $200 bike right outside the front door of the law office where she works. No trawling for nearby parking spaces.

To me, she is an inspiration. She saw the plain common sense of taking the most time- and cost-efficient mode of transport to work and did something about it.

She also succeeded in putting the pressure on me to show I can think just as flexibly.

Gliding through the gridlock of North Beach

After taking CalTrain back from lunch with my friend Christine (a recent PlanBike convert), I traversed the city by bike to return a Christmas gift in the Marina district. Taking Larkin street, I have to note that I got to the other side of town faster than all the cars traveling alongside me. I wasn't even trying. The combination of stop signs and clogged turn lanes ensured the dozen cars snarled repeatedly, while I whizzed by. The hill climbs were also mild.

On the way back, I took Columbus. It was dusk and the combination of car tail lights, San Francisco skyline, and North Beach sidewalks created a beautiful scene for anyone not driving. Gliding through it was even better. I capped the experience by enjoying a quintessential San Franciscan beer, Anchor Steam, in a quintessential San Franciscan bar, Tosca.

Awesome.

© Jody Brooks. All rights reserved.

Jackson Hole cyclists show no fear of the cold

This guy was gettin' it done in 25 degrees in downtown Jackson. He is helped by what appears to be a massive effort to promote commuter cyclists year-round in this snowy paradise.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known worldwide as a mecca for skiers and snowboarders because of the stunningly steep and beautiful Grand Tetons. Wyoming is not known as a particularly progressive environmental state but you wouldn't know it from all the bike lanes they've installed.

Your stamina permitting, it is now possible to pedal in a bike lane over the Grand Tetons from Jackson, Wyoming to Driggs, Idaho. They even plow the bike lanes!

Go into a sporting goods store and you wouldn't know summer ended because of all the bikes on display. They even sell studded tires to ensure you cut through any ice.

The whole area is covered in bike lanes. Go Jackson and Driggs and go guy on the bike.