My
name is Stan Wohlfarth and I have been using a bicycle to commute since I was 13 or so. Along the way I've had a few bikes
stolen, but fortunately I've never had any accidents with other
vehicles or pedestrians, although I've
had a few close calls. I always wear a helmet with a rear view mirror
attached.
I currently live in Wayland, MA with my wife and
three kids. My usual commute involves driving to Arlington via Route 2
and getting off at the last exit before Alewife station. I park my VW
station wagon near Spy Pond and pick up the bike trail from Lake Road
and bike to my office at 1734 Mass. Ave. I do this year-round and only
occasionally drive into Cambridge when the weather is especially bad.
I've been doing this combo-commute for 11+ years now.
Here is my description of a typical winter combo commute.
Thanks
Stan Wohlfarth
Car-bike Commute time 8:55am to 9:45am, Wayland to Cambridge.
Distance by car: 16 mi., distance by bike: approx. 4 mi.
Car traffic was definitely light today, no unnecessary idling or traffic encountered on routes 20 east, 95/128 north, or 2 east. Recorded trip mpg on car computer: 22.7. Temperature on car computer: 23 degrees F. Parked at lot on Lake St. in Arlington at minuteman bike path. Noticed 6 other cars, 2 had empty bike carriers on the rear. Frequently this lot is full (9 cars) and I will park in the front corner of the lot under a tree, or at friend's house nearby on Spy Pond.
I saw 4 inbound walkers on the bike path heading toward Alewife station. I saw one other biker. I also saw two other bikes in use on Cambridge streets on my way to work on Mass. ave. near Linnean St. One bike had a kid trailer and one was an older tandem, with two riders. I don't see tandems very often.
Green-colored items in use today: Army pants, t-shirt, sweater, day-glo green jacket, watch band, bike frame and VW Passat wagon. The ride was cold but not unbearable. The exercise felt great. I'd also like to comment on the maintenance of the bike path this winter; it's been great! It seems to be regularly plowed and sanded, unlike in years past where it would only be plowed/sanded near Alewife station. I wonder if this is a result of Mayor Menino's decree to make Boston a more bike-friendly town?
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