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.
Guest commuter Don Pillsbury joins us again – if you’d like to share your bike commuter experiences, please contact us at wwbikeped@gmail.com.
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.”
Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom due to Covid. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building. Email us at wwbikeped@gmail.com 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.