Mike Ross’ Excellent Biking Adventure
Mayor Tom Menino isn’t the only politician in the city who’s excited for Bay State Bike Week. Our MySpace friend and Boston City Councilor Mike Ross is also participating by leaving his car in the garage and commuting by bike from Mission Hill to City Hall. He gave us his thoughts on how many hazards bikers face, the unforeseen issues that came up, and tricks to keep your suit looking nice in your backpack.
It’s my first day of bike week. This ain’t my first bike rodeo, but it’s been a while since I’ve tested our roadways. As a salute to those who ride in sleet, rain, and snow, I figured it was time to saddle up.
I am reminded that bike commuting is different from driving before I even leave the house. Automobile maintenance is not something I regularly do prior to leaving in the morning, but I have to pump the tires on my bike before taking off.
Another difference becomes evident when my phone rings while I’m riding. Normally, I would take the call while driving to work (yes, I am against legislation that prohibits that). Not so easy while I’m on a bike. I have to finish the call before continuing my commute.
One big problem is that I can’t stop at Mike’s Donuts for my morning coffee. I must first pedal five miles, then, and only then, do I get my first cup. Can you do coffee in a water bottle? Maybe, I’ll try that out tomorrow.
On my ride in to City Hall through the South End and Chinatown, and down Congress Street, I start noticing all the hazards that line my route. Double parked cars are a problem, but the double-parked loading trucks are worse.
Road conditions are also an issue. Smooth pavement is easier to navigate than streets that are riddled with potholes. I reported a few of the big ones.
One thing I didn’t consider when I started were jay-walking pedestrians. There is a certain game of chicken they play that I don’t like very much—especially before I’ve had my coffee.
I’ve noticed another strange phenomenon—friends, colleagues, and family don’t seem to recognize me on the bike. I stopped shouting and waving at the startled people who I know and have started ignoring them—even relishing the anonymity to some extent. It’s like having an alter-ego.
Once safely inside my office, I take my somewhat rumpled suit and tie out of my backpack and change. I learned a nifty little trick—turn the suit jacket inside out before folding it reduces the wrinkles.
On Tuesday, I rode down Huntington Avenue through Copley and up Beacon Hill. Along the way I notice two sewer grates whose slats are set parallel to the road—not horizontal as they should be. This could kill someone, and it infuriates me that the person in charge of placing the grate wouldn’t realize this.
Commuting by bike has reminded me we have more work to do to make our streets safer for bikes. There’s something amazing about the experience that makes all the challenges worth it. Of course I say this on a beautiful seventy degree day. Thankfully, Bike Week falls in the spring.
—MIKE ROSS
Related
A Biking to Work Primer [Bostonista]
May 14th, 2008 at 9:59 am
You gave Tom a bike to inspire him, didn’t you?
Do you ride with him? Do you or does he ride with constituents? Has he ever ridden to work?
May 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I am looking forward to the changes Menino has promised. There is no reason this city should not be a biking city.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
In regard to Mike Ball’s question - I’m a big fan that the Mayor is peddling. I think it bodes well for cyclists in general. I’ve joked around with him about doing a ride, but he starts his ride - which is within his neighborhood - a little too early for my taste! If you’re interested to hear more, he now has a bike czar - Nicole Freedman - working at City Hall (tel: 617-722-4300).
May 14th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
This great! Mike thank you for your support and leading by example. I believe that this City is taking the right steps to becoming a bike friendly City. Great job on reporting all the other issues you saw as you made your way to work!
May 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Mike,
Thanks for sharing your story. Your experiences shed some light on some of the challenges that face people who bike in Boston. I am hopeful that conditions will improve with this renewed interest in and focus on biking as a beneficial means of transportation. There are no emissions and biking is good for public health (including sanity…have you sat in a car in a traffic jam? then you know what I mean!). We should be doing what we can to incorporate biking into the culture.