Bike To Work Week
Looks like it is going to be an absolutely awesome Bike To Work week here in The Quad Cities! We have a lot of added incentives, besides the famous Dean Mathias handing out bananas, water and other snacks at the foot of The Arsenal bridge (starting today).
There are remarkably few places of business that are not accessible via bike lanes or one of our MUP’s. With the exception of retail hot spots like most of 53rd, Kimberly and Locust/Middle in Davenport/Bettendorf, there are plenty of North/South, East/West routes to get you just about anywhere while dealing with very little traffic. Pretty much, the same is true of R.I, Milan, Moline, E. Moline, Silvis and soon even Colona (when is that trail gonna be done?). Their exceptions would be along Rt 5/Deere Rd and parts of AOC. On both sides of the river, the river front trail system is plenty close to any downtown place of business (2nd street in Davenport is so naturally calmed it is a dream to ride).
A change of clothes and a quick sponge bath in the office restroom and you’ll be ready for the day. I did it having to wear a suit for 20 years. I’ve lived in Moline and commuted downtown, of course downtown Davenport (Ruby’s), Mid-town, Davenport airport, Silvis and 12.5 miles each way while working in P.V (year round too). It isn’t as daunting a task as it seems.
Of course, on an e-bike, or a commute of less than 5 miles, you just dress for your destination. Frankly, this is where an e-bike really shines. I get it, you might not like them for recreation or exercise (train to ride, don’t ride to train). If the difference is sitting behind a wheel in traffic, how much exercise are you getting anyway? There are very few commutes in The Quad Cities that are 15min’s longer on an e-bike. You’ll see things you can’t behind the wheel. You’ll reach your destination free from road rage and other tensions. Your mind will be clear and you can look forward to the same on your trip home. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself and your spouse taking side trips, meeting up for drinks on the way home…perhaps at Ruby’s?
A Winter commute. Can you guess where this is? Thousands pass it every day. How much are you missing (would love to see other’s photo’s from their bike commute).
You may have noticed something significant though. Way too many retail establishments are too hard to reach by bicycle. They aren’t convenient by bus (which stops running long before many close). These are where many of our lowest paid workers try to earn a living! This needs to be remedied. Cycling isn’t just for recreation. More and more of us are finding it ideal for transportation. Many more will never again be able to afford safe, reliable automobiles. That is just a fact of life for many young people with a bachelor’s or less today.
When you hear about proposed bike lanes and Multi-Use Paths, please get behind them. Let your representatives know how important they are to you and RIDE TO WORK!