Sometimes Depending on Transit Means Riding My Bike

Jessica Keller, MTA Service Development

People ask me, “why don’t you drive?” and I give a different answer each time. It’s a financial decision for the most part. I like nice clothes and shoes so I don’t buy cars, insurance or gas…..I am after all, a government employee.

ANYWAY, this month is Bike Month in Baltimore. I’m not sure it is Bike Month anywhere else but it is Bike Month HERE. I signed up for the Baltimore Bike Month Challenge where I log my bike miles and take bike photos to gain points to win stuff. I don’t care what stuff I win (or in my case, have no chance of winning), I just like being part of something and this something is pretty cool.

A few weeks ago, I rode my bike from my front door to my work door for the first time – all because of this challenge. It was over 6 miles on my 7-speed…..over 6 miles using my post-baby-no workout-in 2-yrs-body. IT WAS AWESOME! I rode my bike past waterfalls I didn’t know existed.

Quiet Hidden location on the Jones Falls Trail

I squeezed in some work-work that I can’t typically take care of on my way to the office. I also stopped at a McD’s for coffee then pedaled on to the office. My commute took 45 minutes, including my stops – about the same time it takes me on my transit commute. I’m not complaining though, I’m saving the transit commute for bad weather……..the other 364 days/yr in Baltimore……..ok, I am kidding… 300.