Friday 25 May 2012

Bike2Work Challenge - who are the 12 participants?

"Why are you interested in commuting to work by bicycle, and how do you think it would benefit you?" That's the question we asked those who were interested in becoming participants in this year's Bike2Work Challenge. Check out some of their responses below, and click here to learn more about the 12 participants selected to participate in the challenge!
"I've recently lost 130 pounds, and would like to improve my fitness levels. Biking has become a new found passion, so biking to work will not only save me money on gas, but wear and tear on my vehicle."
"I think this is a great idea! Sometimes all it takes is an opportunity like this to get people inspired to do what they have been wanting to do or know they should be doing."
"I am interested in biking to work to set a better example for my children. I currently drive them to school on my way to work. If I had a bike of my own, we could all ride together in the morning."
"I live in Cambridge, about a 30 minute walk from the nearest iXpress bus stop, so taking the bike really speeds things up. My commute could be faster if I drove, but it's not worth the aggravation or parking fees."
"The benefits of cycling far out way the disadvantages. I have to wake up 20 minutes earlier for work when I bike but am far more awake and productive when I arrive."
"You ask me why I want to bike to work. Instead, I rather you ask me why I want to improve my life. I was in a major car accident where the car was totaled and I severely hurt my neck and upper back. I've spent years in physiotherapy. Even today, I have trouble running like I used to. Instead, I turned to biking as a less impactful source of exercise and enjoyment."
"It'll be healthy for me, it'll save me money and it'll reduce my carbon footprint."
"I enjoyed biking all my life, and during the summer/fall months I biked to work for long I remember. Working in tech support it can become stressful sometimes, and for relaxation nothing beats a quick ride home at the end of the day."
"I am in the worst possible shape of my life - By having a challenge it will provide a good motivator to get moving."
"This opportunity could not have come up at a better time; to be honest I was literally talking about buying a bike on my way to work this morning with my fiancé. We have been thinking about purchasing bikes for a while so that we can ride to work. We only have one vehicle and it would be ideal to just leave the car at home and get in a bit of a workout on our way to the office."
"I love the fresh air and exercise of biking, cutting back on fossil fuel use and car repair costs, and arriving at work with my heart pumping and ready to greet the day. I also want to contribute to an increase in the number of cyclists on the road so that motorists become better at sharing the pavement."
All 12 participants have been notified and their bicycles are being ordered. The challenge will start at the beginning of June, just in time for Commuter Challenge!