Comments on: Anatomy of a Multi-Modal Commute By Alan Barnard

By: AR

AR — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:44:57 +0000

I recently began a similar commuting odyssey in the DC-Metro area. My commute involves riding my folder to the train station, taking the train into the city, and then riding from the downtown station to my office. Thankfully, my employer (the Federal government) has awesome bike accommodations. We have access to a great bike storage room that is basically the best parking space in the building, as well as lockers and showers at the gym. It’s a great arrangement. The only problem I have had has been with our local commuter train. The conductors are extremely rude to anyone bringing on a folder (even though it is permitted in their regulations) and the system has yet to really work out a solution for this issue. The higher-ups, however, do seem committed, so I continue to hope. Overall, this mode of commuting has been great. I can bail out whenever the train breaks down and take Metro, or I can bring my bike onto a bus. It is so convenient and even fun!

By: Charles Stepp

Charles Stepp — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:27:25 +0000

I’d love to have a brompton, but they’re a bit pricey…How about this:

http://ridethisbike.com/products/Kent/folding-bike-Superlite-Nexus.htm

No. I don’t work for them or own one…but I’m so close to having that fist fight with my wife to get one…

By: Alan B.

Alan B. — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:18:54 +0000

“Bromptons rule! I am about to pull the trigger on one”

You won’t regret it. In my opinion, for the person that needs to take a bike on a train or bus, the Brompton is the best compromise between a clean, compact fold and “regular” bike performance.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:54:52 +0000

Those folding bikes are the best! I’ve been thinking about getting one for a while (even though I have no need for it).

By: chris ramey

chris ramey — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:51:41 +0000

Inspiring article, thanks. People here in the desert cite the weather as a deterrent to bike commuting. oh well.

sent from: fav.or.it [FID302134]

By: 2whls3spds

2whls3spds — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:51:51 +0000

Bromptons rule! I am about to pull the trigger on one. My company has been freaking out over the massive fuel cost increases and is begging and pleading with us to come up with any ideas that will help save on transportation costs. I can roll Amtrak between the city where my job site is and fairly close to the town I live near. It will be less than half my current fuel costs, the travel time is the same. Just have to make it on Amtrak’s schedule…but it means I get off early on Fridays.

Aaron

By: jody

jody — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:28:18 +0000

I have a similar commute. 60 miles round trip. Luckily the bus comes within 3.5 miles of my house and drops me right at work in the mornings. And luckily our buses have bike racks on the front. I’m not sure what I’ll do the day the racks are full though, since I don’t have a folding bike.

Thanks for the extra inspiration to make my commute a daily habit.

By: Alan B.

Alan B. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:04:10 +0000

“Any photos of the bike in “cart�? mode?”

It’s essentially the same as in the second photo, but with the handlebar unfolded. In that semi-folded state, it rolls along on its casters with the luggage still attached on top. I’ll try to post a photo soon.

Alan

By: Alan B.

Alan B. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:59:48 +0000

“Has your commuting system inspired any of your coworkers to give it a try?”

I’ve had a number of people quizzing me about the bike, what it does, how I use it; I think it’s only a matter of time..

By: Alan B.

Alan B. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:58:39 +0000

“Where do you live that this is available?”

Roseville, CA. Somehow the three local transit orgs got together and agreed to share monthly passes. It seems so unlikely that I still feel a little guilty — as if I’m cheating — when I use my RT pass on Amtrak or PCT…LOL.