Meet Dave Murphy, he is a 53yr old bike commuter from Mesquite, Texas. Here’s his bike commuter profile:
How long have you been a bike commuter?
I commuted to school and work when I was in college, then picked it up again about 4 years ago. The last 2 years have been pretty constant.
What do you do for a living and in what city do you bike commute?
I work for a hospital as a liaison to the community physicians. I commute from Mesquite Texas, through Balch Springs Texas and ending up in Dallas Texas at a transit station for the balance of my commute.
Why did you start riding your bike to work and how long is your commute?
I started riding about 2 years ago, because I was looking for a way to insert a workout into the day. I was training for my first triathlon and needed to extend the time I had to train. This seemed like a good way to do it. Recently with gas prices it has only added to my resolve. My commute is 16 miles round-trip. I ride to a transit station, lock my bike and bus it on to work.
How does Bike Commuting help you with your lifestyle (economics, health, relationships)?
Economically it has a great impact. Both wear and tear on the truck and gas costs. I feel like I’m getting a little workout in the morning and afternoon, both physically and mentally, dodging traffic. I think I am in better mood when I get home as well. It gives me alone time to think and pray too.
What kind(s) of bike do you have?
Up until Father’s day I had a 1980’s Miyata I was riding, a $20.00 yard sale special. Then my family bought me a Schwinn Super Sport. It has been a great bike for what I use it for. I also have an Iron Horse MTN bike- just beginning to learn to ride the trails.
Any funny or interesting commuting story that you may want to share?
I was riding home one night. One of Dallas’ finest slowed down next to me and said: “You should ride on the sidewalk so nobody hits you.” I SMODed (Smiled and nodded). Thanks for the tip officer.
What do people (coworkers, friends) say when you tell them that you are a bike commuter?
It is not a very commuter savvy region yet so most just shake their heads and like everybody else writes: “ I wish I could do that”. It’s the not easiest way to go, but the benefits most definitely out way the obstacles. You can do it if you want to.
How about bicycling advocacy? Are you active in any local or regional advocacy groups?
I am starting to try and gather some like minded people in our city and surrounding cities to promote commuting. I have recently started a blog to gather information: BikeMesquite.blogspot.com
Anything else that you want to share with us?
Just ride. Thanks so much for your website. If a 53 year old can get up and ride, anyone can.
We like to thank Dave for submitting his bike commuter profile and sending us plenty of pictures of his commute.
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Congratulations! Hopefully I’ll still be bicycle commuting when I’m in my 50s. Sounds like you’ve made some valuable and healthy lifestyle choices.
Great profile! But what’s so old about 53? You’ve only reached the halfway mark.
http://frankwykoff2.com/john_sinibaldi.htm
John Sinibaldi is a local cycling hero — what an awesome guy for riding up until the very end…and his son ain’t half-bad himself!
John Jr. was our “M.C.” at the Bicycle Bash by the Bay last year, and I hear he is scheduled to do it again this year.
I get great inspiration from him. I was sorry to hear that he passed a couple years back. But then again it took something freaky like lung cancer to take him down. No run of the mill heart attack for that man.
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