From the big Apple, our next featured bike commuter just got ‘doored’ and is in good spirits to start riding again. Here’s Lyra’s profile:
How long have you been a bike commuter?
In NYC it’s just been a month but used to bike to work in Singapore for around a year.
Why did you start riding your bike to work and how long is your commute?
I began around mid-May 2008. I bike roughly 14miles round trip during the work week from my apartment to the office and back. I go down 4th Avenue on my way to work, and it’s a tad insane as there are trucks, SUVs and cars without any bike lane. It’s really a lot of traffic during the work week.
On my way home, I take the 3rd Avenue route which is better at night as there are very few vehicles. Plus, there’s a bike lane for at least 25 blocks or so.
How does Bike Commuting help you with your lifestyle (economics, health, relationships)?
It’s just great! I feel so alive and just love the wind on my face. Plus it’s summer so it’s a great time to go biking. I gave up my Transit Check so I could bike to work instead!
What do you do for a living and in what city do you bike commute?
I’m a media educator and documentary filmmaker in New York City.
What kind(s) of bike do you have?
An old GT Palomar which belonged to the son of my Kiwi boss in Singapore. His son, Harry, got hooked on skateboarding so he gave me the bike instead of throwing it away or something.
Any funny or interesting commuting story that you may want to share?
I seem to have a penchant for bumping into parked cars. Really weird as it’s an immobile object! 
What do people (coworkers, friends) say when you tell them that you are a bike commuter?
They like it. It’s New York. People bike a lot.
How about bicycling advocacy? Are you active in any local or regional advocacy groups?
Yes, absolutely.
Anything else that you want to share with us?
I’ve taken three weeks off last August only to rest my foot b/c I got doored, fell over my handlebars and landed in the middle of the street. And to think I was following the law and riding on the bike lane! But I’m going back to bike commuting this week as my foot feels better now. I just started riding again and it felt great!
A big Thank you to Lyra for sharing her profile. Be careful with those darn parked cars!!!
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