|
|
By Bike Commuter — Lara Rozzell, Plant Ecologist, NC State
I live in Durham and commute to Raleigh. There’s a fast commuter bus from downtown Durham to NC State with no stops. As an NC State employee, I get to ride a 60-mile round-trip commute for free! But…too many of us were trying to put our bikes on the two spots on the front of the bus, so I got on line and shopped for a folding bike. I can bring it on the bus, bring it in the carpool in the morning and catch the bus home, or stitch together whatever kind of commute I need with my Instant Bicycle.
Lara Rozzell boarding bus with 26 lb. Brompton folded bike
How does that work?
It folds up or down in about 30 seconds. I don’t own a lock for it because I carry it anywhere I go…into restaurants, classrooms, friends’ cars. It never gets wet! It’s a six-speed Brompton with generator, mud flaps, a rear rack, a hand truck bag for my laptop, and a great bell. It’s a huge conversation generator at bus stops and everywhere else.
You’re 30 miles from home with only your bike?
TTA has a great Emergency Ride Home program for bike and other alternative commuters. If you have unexpected late work, get sick, need to pick up a sick kid, or my carpool buddy has a schedule change, you can get a cab ride or rental car for free. Six times a year! I’ve used it twice in two years. Between that program and my co-workers, I feel completely secure I can get where I need to go.
How much money do you save?
I’m saving 300 miles a week on my car, which is $150 when you include gasoline, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, commuting insurance, etc. Plus $400 a year for a parking pass at the university. This adds up to over $7,000 per year! And over 7,000 pounds of carbon emissions a year!
What else?
I meet people and get to do folding bike demos all the time! I get to zoom past cars on campus and parking is never a consideration! There’s a workout in it, and it looks like a circus bike, so people get a charge and a laugh out of seeing it. During the commute, I can sleep, wind down, or enjoy the community we have among regular bus riders.
Bromptom type folding bike
Folding bikes can collapse as small a 16”-20” — in less than two minutes
|
|