David C.

Where do you work and what is your role in the company?

I am a physical therapist working at Tacoma Public Schools.

How far is your commute? How long does it take you each way? 

I work at multiple schools, and my commute varies between 2 and 7 miles each way.  

What is your commute mode and what made you decide to commute this way?

I have been riding my bike to work or school for close to 40 years.  I started riding originally because I didn't have a vehicle.  I kept doing it because my perceived benefits outweighed my concerns.  I used to ride every day, but my schedule allows me to ride 2 days each week presently.  

What do you enjoy about your commute?

When I get to ride to work, I have noticed that I don't get cold during my workday.  I often arrive at work more refreshed than when I drive.  I try to route my commute through parks, and I love watching the seasons change while riding through them.  I just notice and appreciate more things when I ride to work.

Do you have any positive, interesting stories from your commute? 

More than once, I've stopped to pick up keys or a child's toy next to a parked car.  I really enjoy seeing the relief on the adult's face when I knock on the door to give them their keys or the toy.  I enjoy smiling at drivers and having them smile back because it confirms that they see me.  

Do you think you save money by commuting this way?

I'm sure I save money by not driving all of the time, but I'm not sure how to begin to estimate that.  

How does your company help accommodate your commute option? (ex: bike racks, free bus pass, vanpool subsidy, flexible work hours, telework incentives, etc.)

New buildings at Tacoma Public Schools have better places to secure my bike.  

Is there anything your company could do better to accommodate your commute option?

When I worked at St. Joseph's Medical System years ago, we received a financial incentive to use alternate commute options.  That was a small but appreciated perk.  

What would you say to your fellow employees to inspire them to try using a commute option other than driving alone in their car?

I understand that there are a number of challenges to riding a bike to work like after work obligations, childcare, safety, lack of cycling infrastructure, personal cycling ability and many others.  If you really want to try to ride to work, examine those barriers closely and think about how you can chip away at them bit by bit.  Some of the barriers will be insurmountable but some barriers turn out to be fears that decrease if you set small and attainable goals.  Find a fellow cyclist to help.

Note from Ride Together Pierce staff: We have an Emergency Ride Home program for folks in Pierce County who use a sustainable commute. The purpose of this program is to eliminate barriers for people to take a sustainable commute who may feel stuck at work without a personal vehicle. While emergencies do not happen often, we want sustainable commuters to be able to get back home in case something happens.