Colleen Carboni, Owner, Pilates Center of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Colleen is also a chairperson for Chattanooga Urban Area Bicycle Task Force and Chairperson for Chattanooga’s summer Bike2Work program.

When did you start commuting to work?
About 5 years ago. I have long dreamed of it, but I was a) working out of my home, b) taking children to all their functions. After living briefly in Seattle while getting my Pilates training, I embraced the biking lifestyle that is so strong there and was determined to set up my life to do it back in Chattanooga.
How far do you bike commute?
3 miles, while that doesn’t sound like far, I use biking and walking for 90% of my transportation. I do have a car (Chattanooga would be very difficult to forgo a car completely); but my car sits parked for weeks at a time.
What benefits do you get from it?
I like the idea that something I have to do anyway can be done in a way that benefits me in a myriad of ways-health, financially, and community. I have met or become familiar with many, many people in my community just by riding by them frequently. I think it strengthens a sense of community for all involved.
What is the most challenging issue with biking to work? How do you cope with it?
Irate motorists. I first make sure I am driving my bike in a safe and legal way (I am LAB certified instructor) and then I give a friendly wave to all motorists that yell or honk at me. It catches them off guard!
What kind of bike do you ride and how do you have it set up?
Airborne Titanium cyclocross set up for commuting. I have disc brakes (Chattanooga can be hilly), upright handle bars, and grocery bag panniers on my bike rack. I have a pretty nice bike for commuting, but theft is not a major problem in Chattanooga and I would rather spend my money on my bike rather then my car.
Do you ride in work clothes or do you change at work?
I ride in my work clothes. My trips are short but frequent so changing every time I hop on the bike would not be practical
How do you take the things you need to have with you at work?
I have the Grocery Bag Panniers- I can easily throw anything I need to carry in there. I am considering getting a trailer for those occasions of carrying things that can’t fit on the bike. That would eliminate even more trips in the car!
Do you find riding at night in the winter months a challenge?
I just make sure that I have lots of lights! I haven’t had any problems.
What kind of weather do you have where you live? We have almost the full plate of weather. It gets very hot and humid in summer, cold and rainy in winter, bad thunderstorms, but only occasionally snow. I don’t mess with the weather-particularly the cold. I dress for warmth, have raingear (my rain boots get a lot of notice!)...In hot weather I have a towel that I keep with me. And, oh, I have a fuss free hair style, so getting a little wet or helmet hair doesn’t affect me.
What would you say to encourage others to bike to work?
There is a learning curve as confidence and skill is built up, but it is definitely worth the effort! The best way to build those skills is to take a cycling class. It’s important that riders learn to navigate traffic correctly in order to be safe.