Building a Bicycle and
Pedestrian Friendly Community
Wednesday, August 3 by silvia
Gas prices got you down? Are you concerned about your carbon footprint? Or are you looking for a way to get more exercise? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, consider substituting some trips by car with some by bike.
Here are some of our favorite tips:
More » 1 Comment »Friday, April 29 by silvia
A bike locker at the Princeton Junction train station is a great deal — and this is a rare time when there isn’t a waiting list. Well, until all of you start calling.
More » Comments Off on How to get a bike locker at the Princeton Junction train stationThursday, August 11 by joegorun
http://www.westwindsornj.org/conover-road.html.
Help make West Windsor more accessible and safe for walking, running and biking to Conover Fields, Mercer Lake, PNRA Rowing Center and Mercer Park by showing support for the Conover Rd multi-purpose paved trail project. It will connect the trail at S Post Rd, Conover Fields, and all of the neighborhoods until Galston Dr.
Submit your comments online by Friday, August 19 at:http://www.westwindsornj.org/conover-road.html and select ContactUs Form.
Comments Off on Support Conover Rd Bikeway Multi-Purpose Trail ProjectFriday, September 18 by JerryFoster
In our 5th annual survey, WWBPA volunteers counted 360 bicyclists and pedestrians at 5 locations around the train station on Wednesday September 16, 2015 between 5-8pm. Last year the count was 343, but the numbers are not directly comparable, since we counted at only 3 locations last year. Comparing the same locations at the same time slots, biking and walking decreased 5% over last year. At least we had beautiful fall weather again this year.
Once again we participated in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, an effort to accurately and consistently measure usage and demand for bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
Our 2015 findings:
- Cranbury/Wallace/571 (Rite Aid) ? 25 bike, 112 walk
- Scott/Alexander (Arts Center) ? 26 bike, 90 walk
- Vaughn/Alexander (bus stop) ?? 19 bike, 39 walk
- Station/571 (Rep. Holt Headquarters) ? 5 bike, 6 walk
- Wallace/Alexander (WW lot) ? 11 bike, 27 walk
Total: 360 people, 86 who bike, 274 who walk
Thanks to our volunteers!
Traffic along 571 in downtown West Windsor flowed freely throughout the observation time, except for 3 minutes at 5:30pm – this is consistent with last year, which congested for 4 minutes at 6:00pm. Honks were also consistent at 11 this and last year, while the number of semi trucks rose by 2 to 7 this year. One of the honks was to encourage a right turn on red from Wallace to 571, which both the honker and honkee proceeded to do, illegally – an additional sign at the corner would aid in getting the message out. I was honked at from behind a few weeks ago while waiting on my bike at Wallace, but just pointed up at the No Turn On Red sign overhead.
Other observations:
Comments Off on 2015 Downtown WW Cyclist/Walker Counts
Friday, February 13 by JerryFoster
So, how much money do you save by bike commuting? Probably a lot, but let’s run the numbers.
First, the car expense – according to the AAA’s Your Driving Costs 2014 report, operating a small sedan costs $7930/year, while a SUV runs $12,446/year, including gas, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, loan interest, etc.
What about biking expenses? Elly Blue, author of Bikenomics, refers us to transportation economist Todd Littman’s 2011 research, which gives a range of $100-$300 per year for operating costs, which is comparable to AAA’s numbers, since it includes depreciated cost of the bike, etc.
Startup cost varies a lot, like the variation in the cost for driving a small sedan and a SUV. Here’s hypothetical cases for a high quality and an economical setup, based on online prices from the same national outdoor recreation equipment company:
High Quality – $2153
Economical – $543
Typical bike maintenance is easy enough to learn that many people do it themselves – fixing a flat tire, lubing a chain, adjusting brakes – a web search shows numerous how-to videos that are very instructive. Blogger James Schwartz assumed $50 per year for maintaining a $1500 commuter bike.
Clearly, bike commuting saves a lot of money if you can actually reduce the number of cars you own, since you can buy multiple high quality new bikes and gear every year for much less than the operating costs of even a small sedan. But it is very difficult in the suburbs to go car free, so what if you only have one car? Then the savings will only be based on reduced miles driven, which saves on gas, maintenance, tires and depreciation.
According to the AAA report, the operating costs (gas, maintenance, tires) for a small sedan is 16.3 cents/mile, and 23.8 cents/mile for a SUV. If your commute is 2 miles each way, like mine, then 4 miles roundtrip x? 240 working days/year equals 960 miles biked each year.
The 960 mile reduction in driving would save $156.48 (operating costs) plus $33.60 (reduced depreciation), totaling $190.08 for a small sedan, and $228.48 (operating costs) plus $48.96 for (reduced depreciation), totaling $277.44 for an SUV. This is in the range for paying for the annual bike costs, but hardly a killer incentive by itself. It will help if your employer offers you the IRS Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit – you can be reimbursed up to $240 each year for bike commuting expenses.
Of course you might choose to use the commuter bike for other errands, such as small grocery runs, to the bank, post office, etc. Since only 15% of our trips are for commuting, that leaves a lot of other trips that could be done by bike – e.g. 40% of all trips are 2 miles or less, and if you take the bike/walk trips out of the denominator, 69% of car trips are 2 miles or less.
Of course, you’ll save more in indirect costs, for example if you substitute biking for a gym membership, that could save about $1000/year. And the potential for saving money on health care is huge, since you may be much healthier with regular activity.
Perhaps most important, it’s fun! Of course, you’ll also be saving the world by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, since car exhaust is the single largest contributor in our area to CO2 emissions.
Last, longtime WWBPA readers might notice a strong resemblance between the bike commuter pictured above and the bike lane fairy,? who hasn’t made a public appearance recently. Could this be why? Please join us at the New Jersey Bike and Walk Summit next Saturday, February 21 – we’ll keep an eye out, you never know when you might see her next.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – Cost of Bike vs Car CommutingTuesday, February 10 by JerryFoster
Made a few changes to the commuter bike in the year it’s been flogged every day 2 miles to the office and back – for reference, see last year’s post Accessorizing the Commuter Bike. You may notice a little extra reflective tape on the trunk box, for example.
There were two main issues – pain in the shoulder, caused by the straight handlebar, and pain in the neck, caused by dealing with the hydraulic disc brakes (mental pain, not physical).
Swapping the straight handlebar for a mustache bar provided the hand position that prevented shoulder pain (yep, even on a ten minute ride). Tried new grips, which didn’t help, then swapped the grips from my mountain bike to this bike – when that didn’t help it had to be the bar, because those grips are very comfortable on the mountain bike’s straight handlebar.
The next, more obviously self-inflicted issue, was that some idiot overloaded the light duty rack on grocery runs. The rack uses the fender as support, and the rivet-nut holding it to the frame pulled out (not just once, either), so the guys at the shop drilled and through bolted it to the frame – problem solved. (Also, bought a cargo bike so don’t need to overload the commuter bike anymore – an expensive fix, you might say, and my spouse would certainly agree – more in another post.)
The less obviously self-inflicted issue was dealing with the hydraulic disc brakes. One time, some idiot took off the wheel to put on the winter tires and closed the brake lever. You probably know that if you don’t have something for the brake to grab (disc, credit card, cardboard, etc.) it will not open back up, and the wheel will not go back on. Anyway, back to the shop to have the brake lines bled, and not for the 1st time.
The first time back to the shop was after a few months of winter riding and the lever went all the way to the handle without stopping much. Another time was to get the brakes to stop screeching, and to put some silicone around the fender rivets so they stopped rattling. The last straw was when some road gook got into the front brake on a ride to Hopewell, and I fought and listened to the tick from the brake all the way back to West Windsor, because there’s no way to loosen the calipers on hydraulic brakes in the field. I’d had enough – they were simply not idiot-proof enough for this idiot. The new mechanical disc brakes not only have ways to loosen them, they have dials for making adjustments and a fancy way to automatically align the calipers.? It sure sounds good.
On the sound advice from the good folks at the shop, let’s talk about bike maintenance and keeping your bike clean. If (like a certain someone) you just ride it and occasionally lube the chain (sometimes after wiping the main gook off), you will have a much harder time pedaling by the end of the year – maybe because the derailleur pulleys rust into place. Really, it’s a wonder I could pedal at all.? You might think this would encourage better bike cleaning, but instead it has me thinking about belt drives – anyone have experience to share?
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – the Commuter Bike a Year LaterWednesday, November 12 by joegorun
I?ve been commuting to work in the Plainsboro and West Windsor area on and off for 8 years, and bikes were always a central focus of my life. Post-college, the bike was replaced with the car, shuttling from one commitment to the next. With increasing work responsibilities, I lost sight of what matters most. I started focusing on convenience over happiness and status over health. After a few years the longer car commutes, office lunches, and stress started taking a mental and physical toll. Gym memberships collected dust, and bigger pants couldn?t solve the problems any longer. Suddenly I didn?t recognize myself. A year ago I had an ?awakening? and realized it was time for a number of changes, including a commitment to consistently commute by bike no matter what.
Today, it?s going well. As it turns out, this area is actually amazing for biking to work, to the store, or just for fun. Often it?s actually EASIER than driving. You have your choice of bike lanes, bike paths, or even roads, and it?s getting even better thanks to the hard work of many people. ?More importantly, there is a growing tolerance on the roads, and most drivers are also closet bicyclists just waiting to start bike commuting as well. You can even expand your biking with a simple bus or train excursion.
My commute brings me past the beautiful fields of Stult?s Farm, down the boulevard-esque bike lanes of Southfield Road, and even through Mercer County Park, where I routinely pass dozens of deer. I?ve also rode in rain, floods, and snow, and enjoyed every minute. I take in the beautiful scenery and admire the changing seasons, all from the seat of my bike.
Riding a bike is more than just exercise or cost savings; it?s fun too. It?s the high gear to happiness!
-Robert Stasio
Comments Off on Bike Commuter JournalThursday, July 31 by JerryFoster
Fireflies photo by Chris Egnoto (used with permission)
Welcome back guest blogger Don Pillsbury sharing some of his cycling incidents and a great picture?courtesy of his friend.
There are many benefits from cycling. Personally, what I have learned most from regularly riding my bike is the art of improvising. No matter how well you plan, it is inevitable, at some point; you will encounter a situation that requires you to ?make do.? Such is the time my headlight inexplicably gave out. (Fortunately it was the peak of firefly season and the iridescent insects guided my way along the D&R Canal Towpath ? it is one of my most cherished memories.)
Or riding?along and having the crank/pedal fall off. (I had read about a one-legged cyclist and decided to see what it is like.) Or like getting to the office and discovering the set of clothes you distinctly remember leaving there before hand were not to be found. (That situation took some creativity.)
You can only pack a set amount of tools, spare parts, gear, and equipment.
After that, it?s a matter of keep calm and ride on ? with creativity and humor.
Thank you Don! If you would like to write about your experience in a guest post, please email [email protected].
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal ? The Art of ImprovisingMonday, June 23 by JerryFoster
Please welcome back guest contributor Don Pillsbury.
Don?t I need to be a ?Jock? to ride my bike to work?
When co-workers see me riding my bike to work, they often assume I?ve always been some sort of athletic super hero. And while riding does occasionally simulate the sensation of ?flying,? I?m no Superman. I?ve never participated in any organized sport (well, except for the office volleyball league) and I don?t follow any professional teams. People familiar with my younger years are always surprised to hear about my cycling adventures.
As I meet other bike commuters, that pattern seems oddly common. A co-worker, who commutes 12 miles throughout the year, in all sorts of weather, said she hated gym class in school ? she was always the last one selected for any activity. This same person became indignant when asked about her commute being exercise. To her, it was about saving money. A friend, who also commutes 12 miles year round, doesn?t mention his cycling during a routine annual exam with his physician and is then shocked when the doctor suggests the need for exercise ? despite his trim physique.
For the bike commuters I meet, cycling isn?t exercise it?s just a means of getting to their destination.
One other trait I?ve noticed: the complete lack of remorse about eating whatever they want.
What is your background? If you commute with your bike, some or a lot, please let me know whether you consider yourself athletic or not. I can be reached at: [email protected].
Thanks Don! If you’d like to write a guest post, pls email [email protected].
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – It’s Not About ExerciseFriday, June 13 by JerryFoster
Please welcome Brian Clissold as our guest commuter this week, a trustee of the WWBPA and a resident of East Windsor. A version of this post appeared on his blog, Roadmaestro. Brian, what’s your secret?
Here it is?wait for it?.wait for it???CONSISTENCY!!
Yep, that?s it. That?s my big piece of advice for folks who want to commute by bike. Just like any other lifestyle change, it?s the act of doing it over and over, until it becomes routine, that makes it part of your life.
Now, it?s not that easy. ?Sticking with it? is all rainbows and unicorns. What it really means is getting into the routine the night before, or even the week before, by packing clothes, packing lunches, mid-morning snacks (I always get hungry by 10 am when I commute), baby wipes, figuring out the timing, the logistics of parking, when you?re going to apply make up (if that?s necessary), bicycle maintenance, and what to do with all the extra cash you?ll be saving by not buying gas. Whew! It doesn?t sound so easy after all. If you?re content with just learning this concept and can figure out the details, you can be done reading now and go for a bike ride. If you need some more tips, read on.
My ride is just long enough that I prefer to ride in bike clothes rather than my work clothes. So, Sunday night I try to make sure I have enough bike clothes clean for the week. I also make sure I have a day or two of work clothes. The weekend is also when I do any touch up maintenance: pump up the tires, lube the chain, make any minor adjustments, etc. Lights get charged and fresh batteries as needed.
Each night I pack my bike bag (one rear pannier, or a bag that mounts to a rear rack on my bike) with the next day?s work clothes, hair goop, a towel, my headphones, reading material for the train. Much of this stuff just stays in the bag. I also bring in my thermos and water bottle from my bike, and make the coffee so it starts automatically in the morning.
In the morning, I shower, pack my pannier the rest of the way with my lunch, put on my bike clothes, fill my thermos and water bottle, turn on the lights, and head out. Once I reach the train station, I put my bike in its locker, go into the station and change into my work clothes, and get on the train. I take my stuff with me to the office so I can hang my clothes to dry. Also, I change back into my bike clothes in the train bathroom on the way home so I can get right on the bike and get home.
So this is kind of a lot of work, but I?ve been doing this long enough now that it is more of a nuisance to change out of the routine than to stick with it. The rare days that I have to drive to work really throw me off now, both in terms of the routine and also in my mindset. Driving is such a headache!
I should definitely add that my routine is supported by my amazing wife Abbi, who helps me out in a variety of ways, such as putting away leftovers in single serve containers to make it easy to toss them in, doing laundry, and being generally supportive! Thanks Hunny!!
There are a million tips for bike commuters, especially for newbies. I highly recommend spending some time on the blog, bikecommuters.com There is lots of good stuff there, from equipment reviews to riding tips for bad weather.
Go pack your stuff and start to make riding to work part of your daily, weekly, and monthly routine. It is an amazing lifestyle choice!!
Thanks Brian – if you’d like to share your bike commuting stories, please email [email protected].
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – Secret to SuccessFriday, June 6 by JerryFoster
Please welcome Jenny Goodman as this week’s guest commuter, and contact [email protected] to share your experiences.
OK, after the long, long, winter, it?s going to be 60 degrees and no rain, I picked up my son?s friend and dropped them both off at school, the 606 bus leaves at 8:12, so I have 15 minutes to get my bike shorts, t-shirt, bike shoes, helmet and gloves and get over to the bus stop. You see I am somewhat of a wimp. I don?t ride when it?s cold (and this morning it?s 35 degrees), in the rain, or in the snow.
I made it. The bike goes on the front of the NJ Transit bus in a really cool, super-easy-to-maneuver bike rack. While I have a few panic attacks as we go over some wicked potholes, hoping my bike won?t get thrown off the rack and smashed by the bus, my stop comes up with everything still intact. My work is about a ? mile from the stop, so I bike over looking like a dork with my jeans tucked into my white socks.
My bike is a steel 1980 Reynolds 531 double-butted Puch that has Campanolo pedals with toe straps with over 10,000 miles on it. (Though truth be told, I don?t even tighten up the toe straps, nor have cleats anymore.) Talk about retro. The fork was also 531 but was crushed when I flipped over the hood of a car pulling out of the Hightstown McDonalds in 1993. We got it fixed and painted by Andreas Cuevas (that might mean something to somebody out there). And it has beautiful lugs.
Work is finally over and I set out on my first ride of the season, April 1. I have a great commute from Ewing to Princeton on the Princeton Pike, which has a great shoulder almost the whole way. Not too long and not too short, about 11 miles one way. The only bad part is fighting for position on the bridge over Stony Brook. Pretty hairy. Yeah, I know, there is a separate bike lane you can ride on, but between the frost heaves and the mud and gravel at the bottom of a turn coming off the bridge, I?d rather take my chances. The first ride home of the season is so pleasant. First I pass Halo Farms with its plastic herd of dairy cows. No joke, you should go see them. Through the parking lot of the Trenton?s Farmer?s Market, dodging a thousand pieces of glass, past the ?Win, Place, and Smoke? shop, then on to the open road.
I thought I would feel worse than this for the first ride of the season. A previous blogger (and neighbor of mine) says NJ is like Holland, nice and flat. Well, that?s true I guess, but not on your first ride of the season, especially up the hill into Princeton past the Battlefield Park. Coming into town is my favorite part of bike commuting – being passed by some cars in a hurry and then proceeding to pass them back while they wait in traffic at a stop sign or light. And now that Nassau Street has sharrows, I feel so legit giving myself enough room so I don?t get slammed by a car door opening up. I make it home in one piece (again). And tomorrow looks like it will be nice for another ride home.
Jenny Goodman has been bike commuting off and on (on nice days) for about 25 years. She is entitled to be a wimp, having ridden with her husband across North America, from Alaska to Montana, from Portugal to Switzerland, Maine to New Brunswick, and from NJ to Canada twice in the wind, snow, sleet, rain, blazing sun, and bugs (including a swarm of huge grasshoppers in Saskatchewan).
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – Bus, Bike and BackFriday, May 30 by JerryFoster
Please welcome Kiyomi Camp, who also serves on the Princeton Free Wheelers bike club board, as our guest commuter this week.
When I was in high school and college, I used to ride my bike everywhere, both for transportation and for pleasure. As an adult in semirural Montgomery, New Jersey, that didn?t really seem like an option, especially after my kids were born. I lived on a 2-lane highway 4 miles from the nearest commercial area and about 8 miles from my workplace and the kids? school.
Then I went to my 30th college reunion. Seeing all the people riding bikes at the college brought back happy memories. I resolved to try riding my bike to work, at least during the summer when I worked shorter hours and didn?t have to chauffeur kids.
The route I worked out involved riding on the towpath for 3 miles then taking to the streets. At the time, I only owned a mountain bike. The first climb up Mt. Lucas on knobby tires nearly killed me, then I had to climb Cherry Hill Road! I changed my route to avoid Cherry Hill, bought slick tires, and eventually got strong enough to make it up the hills without having to stop. My route was about 9 sweaty miles. I work in a school and have access to showers so this was not a problem. My clothes and lunch fit in my trunk bag and I kept shoes and toiletries in my desk. I really enjoyed riding to work during the summers, when I could ride home before rush hour, but I?m a pretty wimpy rider and found the rush hour traffic on my road during the school year was more than I could handle.
In 2011, I moved to Hopewell, a mere 7 miles to work but on more heavily traveled roads. From Princeton Free Wheeler ride leaders Diane Hess and Andy Chen, I learned some routes through developments that minimize my time riding on The Great Road. I also make use of the ?bike lane? (really, a sidewalk) on The Great Road for the uphill portion of my ride home. My new route turned out to be rideable at rush hour so I can now ride year round although I?m still a wimp and drive if it?s icy or visibility is poor (or if I oversleep.) My ride to work starts and ends with pretty nice downhills. Of course, this means that my return trip starts and ends with some pretty serious uphills, but I can reward myself with a shower and a recovery beverage when I get home.
I acquired some different bikes and became addicted to a couple of bike blogs that extolled the pleasures of riding to work on an upright bike while wearing one?s normal clothes. Enamored of the vision of myself riding to work on a stylish bike in my dress and ballet flats, I decided to give that a try.
Unfortunately, seven miles with a couple of miles of uphill each way is not really fun on an upright bike. I concluded that I really prefer riding a road bike while wearing bike shorts. I?ve learned to bring in a bag of office outfits on my driving days so that I can commute on my unencumbered ?fast? road bike. I also built up a vintage touring bike with a Brooks saddle and Carradice bag for days when I want to look picturesque or carry my clothes and lunch.
As a wimpy rider, I like to make myself as visible as possible. My bikes sport front and rear lights that are used even in daylight, and my main commuter has reflective tape on the frame and rims. I wear a helmet, use a rear view mirror, and avoid road-colored clothing.
I don?t bike to work every day, but I?ve never had a day where I biked to work and wished that I hadn?t. I guess this means I should bike to work more often!
Thanks Kiyomi – if you’d like to share your commuting experiences, please contact [email protected].
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – The Wimpy Way to Work (So She Says)Friday, May 23 by JerryFoster
Please welcome Jim Angelus as our guest commuter this week – if you?d like to share your commuter experiences, contact [email protected].
Everyone has an experience that births the compulsion to begin and end the work day on a bicycle.
Until ’98, my commute was limited to the overcrowded and undersanitized Lexington Avenue line in lower Manhattan. I was born in the city and lived there for 35 years commuting to ad agencies, where I was a creative director. Living in Hopewell 20 years later, a stark contrast – I rise at 6, am out the door at 7.
It wasn’t until taking *mandatory* retirement from my marketing job at Merck that cycling took over. It was 2001. I was out of a job with newly born twin boys; retirement at 45 not an option.
Time to redirect, refocus, narrow down, be practical, and use time wisely. I had been cycling the Sourlands, up through Frenchtown, Holland, and Lebanon townships trying to plan next steps.
Fortunately, logic and sound thinking didn’t reign – however, a self-absorbed plan to cycle cross-country with a close friend in ’02 did. This 3,215 mile/25 day ride from Point Reyes, CA to Keyport, NJ was the perfect gestation cycle that gave birth to the “third wheel” in my marriage.
A decade later in ’12, my German friend joined me once again, as we cycled from Seattle, WA to South Seaside Park, NJ – 3,300 miles/37 days later.
Today, I ride to work in South Brunswick, on Rte 518 into Rocky Hill, up the hill by the quarry to Rte 27. My ride home varies as does my mood. Sometimes a detour up Lindbergh Rd, other times Aunt Mollie Rd serves me well. Decisions! Decisions! My single speed wheels are picky and I must keep them happy.
Whit is planning a Lewis and Clark Trail excursion in ’15. Three’s a charm – I may just ride home…
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – All in the Mind(set)Tuesday, May 20 by JerryFoster
Our guest commuter this week is Ted Borer – if you?d like to share your commuter experiences, contact [email protected].
2014 marks my 30th year of commuting by bike. At this point bicycle commuting isn’t just a passing phase, it’s part of what defines who I am.
For the first year out of college I didn’t own a car. Living in West Philly, cycling was faster and cheaper than any other way I could get to my job in Center City. ?Back then I’d wear my shirt and dress pants and carry my suit jacket and tie in a backpack. I could park outside the building entrance, while most of my co-workers had to walk several blocks from lots where they’d paid to park. ?I kept a massive chain and lock locked around the bike rack directly outside our office building so I didn’t need to carry it back and forth, and the building security officers could see the bike. ?I only had a few miles to ride, so washing up in a men’s room was all I needed. Without spending my income on car payments, insurance, maintenance, parking, or gas, I was able to save enough for a down payment on a house much sooner than my peers.
When I got a work assignment in Phoenixville, I moved to Devon and regularly bicycled through Valley Forge park to get to work. That was 12 miles and fairly hilly. So I didn’t do it every day. After my wife and I moved to Media, PA, I was able to find a bike trail that took me to the plant where I worked in Eddystone for a few years.
I was mostly a warm weather commuter until I got a job in Princeton and we moved to Pennington. After commuting by bicycle for a decade, I realized that it was a pretty high priority in my life. So I drew a nine mile radius around my new office and told the realtor we’d only consider looking at houses within that circle — and she needn’t bother showing us anything that involved crossing Route One.
Year by year I’ve sorted out what it took to ride comfortably in any weather. I ride 12 months a year but avoid the road when there’s a risk of ice or snow cover. My lifetime bike odometer should pass 85,000 miles this year. I expect to pass 100,000 miles before I retire. Not all of those miles were commuting. I’ve done fifty or sixty century rides, earned a Super-Randonneur award along the way. I’ve done some other ultra-distance riding, some very fast “training” rides with triathletes and solo, ?and dozens of bicycle camping trips with my children.
We live in a pretty neighborhood with more property and a larger house than we could afford in Princeton. I enjoy a few miles of rural riding past cows and sheep, then a few miles of county routes that have steady, 45 mph traffic but great wide shoulders, then a few miles of urban traffic in downtown Princeton. It’s a wonderful mix. My 7 ? ?mile ride takes 35 minutes at a natural pace. I carry books, phone, and clothes in panniers and shower when I arrive. ?The fastest I’ve ever done the ride was 25 minutes home-bound — just after my wife told me she’d started labor with our second child! He’s now deciding on which college to attend.
As our kids grow up, my wife and I are beginning to do more and more riding together and anticipate seeing foreign countries by bike in retirement. But we have four college educations to pay for, so I expect to be bicycle commuting to work for at least another decade!
Ride well,
Ted Borer
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal ? Decades of Dedicated EnergyFriday, May 9 by JerryFoster
Our guest commuter this week is Mike McCormick – if you?d like to share your commuter experiences, please contact [email protected].
Since July, 2007 I’ve commuted just about 25,000 miles by bicycle from my home in Allentown (NJ) into Trenton – about a 25 mile round trip each day. ?I’ve found it to be a great way to begin and end each day, with a few notable exceptions due to bad weather, and/or worse drivers. ?For the most part, I’ve remained unscathed, thanks to some brightly colored clothing and a lot of lights.
During the winter months, it’s been said that I’m a cross between a Christmas tree and a Las Vegas casino, blinking and flashing my way down the street. ? I do draw the line at ice or snow covered pavement, of which there has been plenty this past winter. ?I’ve been reminded of how much I dislike traffic, interstate highways and parking lots that seem to be a mile away from my office door.
There are many instances when my bicycle is the fastest vehicle on the streets of Trenton, and to date, no one has taken my indoor parking spot: ?a sewage pipe in the basement of the Hughes Justice Complex, to which I chain my bike each day. ?After almost seven years, it is hard to imagine how – or why – others insist on driving to work each day!
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal ? Blinking Winter BicyclistFriday, May 2 by JerryFoster
Let?s say you?re tired of winter, especially this winter, and you can?t wait to get back into shape for the beach (or whatever). Maybe you want to ride your bike to work to start working off the winter weight, but there?s a dicey road section, perhaps a 5 lane arterial, between your house and work. What are some of the strategies to ride safely?
Strategy 1 ? avoidance ? do some exploring and you might find a quieter road section, a trail, or a series of linked driveways and/or parking lots. Be aware that driveways and parking lots require 360 degree vigilance, but are generally low speed so you have decent reaction time. Like sidewalks, trails require vigilance at intersections.
Strategy 2 ? the sidewalk ? it?s legal to ride on the sidewalk in New Jersey, unless the municipality has an ordinance restricting riding on a specific section, typically in downtown areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic. ?The sidewalk can be more comfortable if pedestrian traffic is minimal, but care must be taken at driveways and intersections since motorists do not usually look for bikes on sidewalks.
Strategy 3 ? the road ? New Jersey law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of a motor vehicle. ?Experienced cyclists prefer the road for predictability and getting there faster, but care must be taken to actively manage the traffic around you. This means being aware of the road and whether there are safe places for motorists to pass, and positioning yourself so that you are visible to motorists, both those approaching from behind and those at intersections looking for gaps in traffic.
It?s worth quoting the New Jersey Statute verbatim:
?39:4-14.2. Keeping to right; exceptions; single file
Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; provided, however, that any person may move to the left under any of the following situations:
(a) to make a left turn from a left-turn lane or pocket;
(b) to avoid debris, drains or other hazardous conditions that make it impracticable to ride at the right side of the roadway;
(c) to pass a slower moving vehicle;
(d) to occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic;
(e) to travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise shall ride in single file except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.?
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has an excellent website for bike commuters – see the Frequently Asked Questions for good advice regarding riding on the road safely.
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
2 Comments »Friday, April 25 by JerryFoster
Guest commuter Don Pillsbury joins us again – if you’d like to share your bike commuter experiences, please contact us at [email protected].
Most people assume as a bike commuter I’m some sort of “eco-warrior.” While there might be some merit to that, my reason for riding is much more personal. When I first started cycling to work 16 years ago, the original intent was to build activity into my otherwise sedentary life. My very first trip to work was just a couple of miles – and it took me exactly 1 hour. I drove to a park near the office, pulled the bike out of the car, left the car behind for the day, and pedaled a very short distance. Over time, and as the park commission improved the conditions of the D&R Canal tow path, I was able to eventually do the full 35 miles from Trenton to New Brunswick. For the round trip I developed the habit of driving to work (with the bike), leaving the car there overnight (the building had security), riding home, and cycling in the next day – after a restful night of sleep.
While my original goal was to combat a bulging waistline, other health benefits quickly became apparent. I didn’t fully comprehend the chemistry behind it until I read an article in Bicycling magazine entitled “Riding is my Ritalin.” I’ve since seen other scientific articles demonstrating a link between cycling and happiness. So, as I like to say: “Rekindle your youth; hop on a bicycle.”
http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/riding-my-ritalin
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal ? Cycling Rekindles Your YouthFriday, April 18 by JerryFoster
Please welcome back guest commuter Don Pillsbury – if you’d like to share your commuting experiences, please email us at [email protected].
I have to admit, some cyclists hold a lofty self-image of their noble pursuit to reduce their carbon footprint. But could cycling ever be a religious experience?
Spurred by a challenge from a friend, two years ago for Lent I “gave up my car.” Truth be told, I was not “car-free” but I did make a concerted effort to rely more on the bike and less on the auto. Before hopping in the car to run an errand I developed the habit of evaluating whether the bike could be used. As a result I rode in conditions I would normally avoid. At the end of the 46 day period I pedaled 700 miles.
In the spirit of Lent, the cost savings of almost $200 were donated to a disaster relief charity. But more than the financial benefits, the experience was priceless. Time spent in the saddle had an increased focus on my faith and what it means to me. Would you believe me if I said it was a very moving experience?
Photo from “Blessing of the Bikes” at St John the Divine in NYC on April 30, 2011.
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – Cycling, a Moving ExperienceFriday, April 11 by JerryFoster
Please welcome another guest commuter, Melinda Posipanko, this week ? if you?d like to share your commuter experiences, contact us at [email protected].
I seem to have had this conversation with someone almost every day this winter:? Question: “Did you ride in today?”? My answer: “Yeah.? It wasn’t too bad out.” Reply: Either 1)”Wow”, 2)”You’re insane”, 3) “Impressive”, or 4) a sad shake of the head.
Now to be completely transparent, “riding in” for me means a 1.5 mile ride from my house to the Princeton Junction train station.? Not exactly a grueling bike commute.? And I’m nobody’s idea of a “cyclist”; more tortoise than hare and riding an el-cheapo bike I bought at Kmart 5 years ago.
Let me be clear.? I HATE COLD.? So why have I gotten layered-up every morning to bike commute?? It’s not a simple answer.? I’m not crazy (at least not completely), but I really love using my body to move itself from one place to another.? I ride my bike, I take the stairs when practical, and I usually take the easy-to-find far out parking space at the mall.? Moving my body feels good.? And even a short bike ride in the morning can make a huge difference in my overall energy level for the day.
It makes some practical sense, too.? It used to take me just about the same amount of time at the end of the day to walk to my permit parking space as it now takes for me to ride home.? I don’t have to clean off my car when it snows.? Now, I pay $22.50 /quarter to rent a bike locker instead of $120/quarter for a parking space.
But really, I think it’s mostly the sense of accomplishment I have when I make it to the train under my own power no matter what Mother Nature throws at me.? Me against the world…that sort of thing.?? I’m proud of the fact that I’ve driven into the station fewer than 10 times since October – and only then on days when the roads were clearly not safe.
And I’m obviously not alone.? I’ve seen bike riders and empty CitiBike stalls all over NYC even on the coldest days.
So I’ll continue to suit up and head out every day that I can.? And keep looking forward to spring!
A version of this post appeared in On the Move, the blog for the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.
Comments Off on Bike Commuter Journal – To the Train Station, All Winter LongMonthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the Zoom code.
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from May through Halloween.
September 30 — at the farmers market and bike drive to benefit Bike Exchange
October 3 — Weekly walking group at Community Park
October 10 — Weekly walking group at Community Park
October 12 — monthly meeting
October 14 — at the farmers market
October 17 — Weekly walking group at Community Park
October 24 — Weekly walking group at Community Park
October 28 — at the farmers market
October 28 — Martian bike ride with the Historical Society of West Windsor
November 9 — monthly meeting
December 14 — monthly meeting
Ongoing – Register your bike with the WW Police Department for free
Volunteer Opportunities – Sign up to give back to the community
Recent Infrastructure
Proposals and Actions
In support of a walking and biking path along the Dinky tracks (sent separately to many elected officials)
A call for rapid-flashing beacons for the intersection of Penn-Lyle and Canoe Brook
Clarksville Road bridge recommendations (and response from NJDOT project consultants)
Recommendations for improvements around the Princeton Junction train station
Suggested locations for rapid-flashing pedestrian beacons
Suggestions for bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Freeholders Clarksville Road Crossing at Hawk Drive
Cranbury Road Improvements