More Perspective on an Active Commute

Katie Kantzes has been commuting by bike for about a year now. As a fairly new active commuter, she had some great things to say about the whole experience. Though she doesn’t commute by bike exclusively (weather and a large grocery haul can make that pretty difficult), she tries to ride as much as she can. In honor of physical activity month, and our enthusiasm for active commuting, below are some tips and a little perspective on another active commute.

In terms of why, she prefers to ride so she can sneak in extra physical activity throughout the day. After all, it can take about the same time to get to get to school or work as it does by car if you’re in traffic.

A few challenges Katie has faced: if it’s forty degrees and dark, it can be tough to get motivated, but usually once the pedals are turning, she is grateful for the ride. Katie claims adapting what you wear based on whether really makes a difference. Layers are your friend.

In dealing with biking and looking presentable upon arrival, Katie says jeans or cutoffs are actually quite comfortable on the bike for relatively short distances (she has a 14 mile round trip commute). However, if you’re giving a presentation or you’d like to wear something a bit more professional, stash some basics in your office that you can throw on: a cardigan or blazer that can go with anything for example, and a pair of flats. You can also toss a lightweight dress or pair of slacks in your backpack.

Also, do bear in mind we live in Texas. The heat may deter some people from commuting, but it’s a surmountable obstacle. Katie keeps a packet of Burt’s Bees wipes to freshen up and deodorant on hand as well. She says you’ll have a nice rosy glow, but you don’t have to smell.

One it’s all said and done, after her commute Katie feels either invigorated or pleasantly tired. She says it’s nice to come home and know that she’s done something good for her body, and that she’s taken one car off of I-35 (we can thank her for any traffic improvements!). Biking also helps her avoid her, admittedly, nasty habit of getting parking tickets, which many of us can relate to here in Austin!

Katie is a strong advocate for biking defensively. She claims that though we’ve made a lot of progress in recent years with regards to bike lane improvements and the hands-free ordinance, sometimes drivers simply don’t see you. You need to be aware and advocate for your safety. Other than safety with regards to drivers, the environment here is pretty fantastic for riding. We don’t have a terrible amount of storms, and the heat is manageable.

Additionally, Katie would advise investing in a bright front light with a strobe, a red, blinky light for the back, and (does she even need to say this?) a HELMET. Whether racing or commuting, Katie says the helmet has saved her life a number of times.

Active commuting can be a big commitment and sometimes nearly impossible to do. If it’s storming, Katie doesn’t ride. If she simply has too many errands to run during her lunch break, she will drive. But she prefers to bike most of all. She says commuting offers 30 minutes or so to truly relax and take her time getting to work, and think through her day. It’s almost meditative.

Thanks to Katie for taking the time to answer our questions and provide some helpful tips and feelings towards active commuting!

Written by:
Amanda Taylor
Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living
&
Katie Kantzes
MPH candidate at the UT School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus

[Image source: flickr/ktreu]