Bike Commuter Profile #1: Doug from Frenchtown

1. What do you do and what cities do you bike commute in?

I work as a Scientist for Bristol Myers Squibb.  I commute from Frenchtown NJ to Hopewell, NJ. 

2. Why did you start riding your bike to work and how long is your commute?

I started bike commuting back in 1991 when I moved to San Diego. The biotech industry was quite informal in terms of attitude and dress code, and I was able to commute along the coastline.  My earliest bike commute was about 7 miles each way and I did it on a mountain bike. Later, when I moved almost 15 miles from work, I used a road bike exclusively.  Partly why I started commuting was to avoid the Southern California traffic and to get exercise.

Up until recently my commute was about 15 miles. However its now almost 30 miles each way, so I can only do it one or two days a week.

3. What kind of bikes do you have?  

I have 2 racing bikes- one is Carbon Fiber, the other is aluminum/CF.  I also have a steel frame that I use as a fixed gear in the winter.  

4. How does Bike Commuting help you with your lifestyle (economics,
health, relationships)?

Commuting saves me a lot of money on gas, in fact when I was able to do it 3-4 days per week I only had to fill up twice a month!  Its also a lot less expensive, and more fun, to ride my bike versus paying for a gym.

5. Any experience that you can share with us about ‘learning the hard way’?  

Make sure to carry extra tubes to fix a flat, make sure to eat before you ride and avoid roads that have heavy car traffic. Plan extra time as the days get shorter so that you do not get caught in the dark. Always have your cell phone with you.

6. What do people (coworkers, friends) say when you tell them that you are a bike commuter?  

Most of my friends know that I commute, because I’ve been doing it for so long. My coworkers usually ask how far it is and what roads I take. Sometimes if its a nice day they ask if I rode my bike or not.

7. How about bicycling advocacy? Are you active in any local or regional advocacy groups?  

Not really, as my focus is more on racing and cycling clubs.  I am currently coaching junior cyclists and helping to teach them to ride safely on the roads.