From our nation’s capital, Phil Lepanto is a Bike Commuter who is also a tri-athlete, here’s his Commuter Profile:
How long have you been a bike commuter?
Off and on for about 12 years. My work is usually well served by public transportation, so I haven’t always used my bike.
Why did you start riding your bike to work and how long is your commute?
I started riding my bike because I realized I could get to work faster by bike than any other means of transportation. My office is about 1 mile from my house, so I am definitely not breaking any endurance records. Still, living in the heart of the city is an important lifestyle choice in and of itself. It’s a lot easier to rely on your bike when everywhere you want to go is only a few miles away.
How does Bike Commuting help you with your lifestyle (economics,health,relationships)?
I enjoy bike commuting because I feel like I am not being wasteful. There was a time when I had to commute about 15 miles both ways to work. Whenever I would drive, I just felt like I was being so inefficient. When I get out there on the bike, I feel like I can move around the city easily and I can go to exactly where I want to go. Obviously, leaving my car parked and not burning gas every day saves bucks and wear and tear on my car.
What do you for a living and in what city do you bike commute?
I am a partner in a small technology consulting firm that focuses on the political and public affairs market. My home and office is in Washington, DC.
What kind(s) of bike do you have?
I ride around town and off-road on my Jamis Exile mountain bike. About 4 years ago, I wore out the real knobby tires that came stock on the bike and opted for a more hybrid tread. I really like the wide tires for rolling over glass, curbs, etc. but having a smoother tire makes pedaling across town easier. I also have a 2006 Specialized Transition Elite that I use for racing triathlon.
Any funny or interesting commuting story that you may want to share?
I wish I could come up with something good. I’ve certainly had a few close calls with drivers pulling bone headed moves. I think there were a couple of times when Vice-President Cheney’s motorcade was heading down Rock Creek Park when I was commuting out to Virginia.
What do people (coworkers,friends) say when you tell them that you are a bike commuter?
It really doesn’t phase anyone at my office. We’re a small shop, only 7 people. Two people bike, one person walks, two people take Metro, one person drives a hybrid from Baltimore. We’ve really got only one person who shamelessly drives his gasoline burner… but at least it’s a compact. When I worked in a larger office, most people thought I was kind of nuts to do it. I kind of thought I was too, considering I’d roll into work a sweaty mess and have to use the sink to sponge off.
How about bicycle advocacy? Are you in any local or regional advocacy groups?
I once supported the Washington Area Bicyclists Association. I’ve disagreed with them on a couple of issues that they’ve pushed and have withdrawn my support. However, I try to attend meetings of the D.C.’s Bicycle Advisory Council meetings. The District Department of Transportation is really trying to push bikes and pedestrian issues. We almost actually have a city bike sharing plan (www.smartbikedc.com) and D-DOT is aggressively putting down bike lanes every time they put down new asphalt.
Anything else you want to share with us?
About a year ago, I got a BoB trailer. My wife and I had tried biking up the C&O canal and between the gear and the food, my panniers couldn’t handle everything. I’ve used it to carry big loads of toilet paper, coolers of drinks, even a small charcoal grill. I remember taking a cooler of beer down to the park, biking past a bunch of high school tour groups down on the National Mall. I loved hearing the oohs and ahhs.
Biking is a great way of life. The more I get into it, the more I love it.
As usual, we want to thank Phil for his time and for sharing his story, I will send you some stickers soon!
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Bike Commuter Essentials at PricePoint.com
3 responses so far ↓
1 Marrock // Jul 29, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Ah, another BoBer, glad to see that.
Welcome to the dark side, we have cookies.
2 Teague // Jul 29, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Phil, it looks like you live just down 16th St from me.
On what issues did you disagree with WABA?
3 Rapps // Jul 30, 2008 at 5:46 am
Phil, You mentioned the school kids approval, I was at a hardware story yesterday, helmet on head, ID and cash in back pocket, riding gloves on hands. The very young (compared to hum…the rest of us) tattooed clerk was noticeably way positive towards me. It dawned on me, it was the bike.
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