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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) | Posted: May 13, 2019
Christine Lemaster
Communications Officer II | Health and Wellbeing
Summary Sentence:
National Bike to Work Week is May 13th- May 19th. We sat down with Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) personal trainer, Becky James to hear about her experience biking to work for over six years.
Full Summary:
National Bike to Work Week is May 13th- May 19th. We sat down with Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) personal trainer, Becky James to hear about her experience biking to work for over six years.
Becky James outside the Campus Recreation CenterNational Bike to Work Week takes place May 13th- May 19th this year. With summer semester easing campus traffic now is a great time to try commuting via bike for yourself. Biking to work provides a variety of health and well-being benefits and can also shorten your commute times in some situations. Furthermore, exercising outdoors – both in urban and rural areas – has been shown to boost self-confidence and improve your overall mood. To gain an insiders perspective on biking to work we spoke to Campus Recreation Complex (CRC) personal trainer, Becky James to hear about her experience biking to work for over six years.
How long have you been biking to Georgia Tech? What got you started?
I have been biking to work at Georgia Tech for just over six years. I started when I moved to Midtown, as my two-mile trip takes twelve minutes by bike and twenty by car….on a good day.
What is your favorite part about biking to work?
Riding is my meditation, my happy place. I put away distractions and focus on where I am. The bike allows me to start each day with a sense of contentment, adventure, and time outside so that I arrive at work full of energy and ready to go.
What advice would you offer someone who is interested in starting?
Anyone new to bike commuting should take the bike safety class from GTPD and PTS and ride with an experienced and safety-conscious rider to build experience, knowledge, and confidence on the road. Cyclists love to ride and talk about riding, so don’t think it’s an imposition to ask someone to ride with you but most of us would be thrilled to help you discover the joy of the bike.
Any interesting stories about your commute you would like to share?
The bike turns every trip into an adventure, if for no other reasons than it allows you to interact with the world around you. For two years, I biked my son to school every day, where I met a bike commuter and member of the GT community member, Wayne Whiteman, and whether we would ride together or pass one another with a cheerful “good morning,” seeing him always made my day. Last week, I was walking down a hallway on campus and found myself staring at a familiar face, but one I could not place; it was Wayne, and though I had known him for years, I did not recognize him without his bike and helmet!
What is one thing you can’t bike to work without?
My helmet.
What are some safety tips you recommend for new bikers?
Wear a helmet that is properly adjusted, make yourself stand out with bright colors and flashing lights, know the rules of the road, and use your eyes and ears to be fully aware of your surroundings.
For more information about biking to work safely as well as how to get started go to bike.hwb.gatech.edu/.
