Bike Commuting in Springfield, MO
I wonder how many bicycle commuters there are in Springfield? I mean those who have given it serious consideration, and are intentionally riding to their destination on a regular basis. Not students or those who are forced to ride due to circumstances. While those latter two are legitimate categories of bike commuters, I’m more interested in knowing how many of us are riding because we choose to and because we can.
The reason I wonder is that I’m still seeing the occasional rider out on the streets who looks like he/she is riding with purpose, in spite of the cold weather we’ve been having. Not a lot, mind you, but occasionally. Sometimes it’s just a glimpse of a blinkie disappearing down a street as I pass, or someone who pulls up to a light across from me. When I have an opportunity, I always speak, but more often than not there isn’t any chance for interaction other than a nod or wave due to the distance between us. I can tell they’re folks with like minds because they’re riding safely, have decent looking bikes and gear, and use appropriate lighting.
I know they’re out there….folks like Carter, Jim, and Andy. I met another one the other morning when it was less than 20 degrees outside. His name is Fred, and he works at the industrial park off of Kearney Street. We were both bundled up so much that we could only see each other’s nose, so if I saw him again I probably wouldn’t recognize him except for the blue Cannondale he was riding!
How about it guys (or gals)….if you’re a bike commuter in Springfield, leave me a note and introduce yourself!
God bless…
TW
Tags: bicycle, Bike Commute, Bike Lights, cold weather, Fitness, springfield MO
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December 17, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I’m not hardcore enough to keep up my commuting during the cold season
December 23, 2009 at 8:59 am
I’m keeping up pretty well in this cold weather, but not as well as I should have. The last few weeks I’ve only been riding 2 or 3 days a week, depending on the cold and rain.
Hopefully after the holidays I’ll pick it back up more (I asked for lots of wool clothes for xmas).
I live by St. John’s, ride from home to my office downtown and back every day. Not too long of a commute, 6 miles round-trip. I often have days though where I run other errands and things and on those days can easily do 15 or 20 miles in a single day.
I’m usually on an Electra Amsterdam or a bright orange Kona Dew Deluxe. Say hi if we ever cross paths
December 23, 2009 at 9:06 am
Brad,
Thanks for stopping by! I’ll look for you.
December 30, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I consider myself a part-time commuter. I use a hybrid, but not on ice or in the rain. I live on the east side of town and work on the north side. My ten mile round trip always takes me across the MLK [thanks for the bike lanes, Spld!] to and from home. I see a few others at times, but not any going my way. I love riding and my wife and I do the roads in better weather. Blessings on you and keep it between the ditches!
March 3, 2010 at 7:52 pm
I stopped and talked to Jim on my commute today and he mentioned your blog. I live off of Catalpa and I think I’ve seen you multiple times. I usually ride an Xtracycle with my dogs. I work in the same industrial park as Fred. I use my bike to commute to work, pick up my daughter from school, and get groceries. We should stop and talk next time we see each other out.
March 3, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Hey Jamie,
Glad you stopped by! I’ve heard rumors of somebody riding an Xtracycle in that neck of the woods. I’ll be looking for you!
TW