Piet Canin, Director of the Santa Cruz County Bike to Work and staff member for the Electric Bike Incentive program, Santa Cruz, CA

When did you start commuting to work?
Over 20 years ago. Actually longer if you include biking to school.
How far do you bike commute? 7-9 miles round trip
What benefits do you get from it?
Daily exercise, reduce gasoline and car repair costs, easy parking, and great views of the Monterey Bay.
What is the most challenging issue with biking to work?
How do you cope with it?
Rain and carrying work supplies can be a challenge. Investing in good rain gear and panniers solve those issues.
What kind of bike do you ride and how do you have it set up?
I've got a 10 year old Bontrager Mt. Bike inverted into a commuter by just putting on slick Specialized Fat Boy tires, much faster than knobby tires, and a rear rack. Of course equipped with a Light & Motion bike light mount for nighttime riding home.
Do you ride in work clothes or do you change at work?
I ride in my work clothes. Biking is the most efficient form of transportation so unless you are climbing big hills, you can just switch into a low gear and spin to work.
How do you take the things you need to have with you at work?
My rain proof Ortlieb panniers can carry a laptop and stacks of paper work.
Do you find riding at night in the winter months a challenge? Cars might be able to see me better with my bright Light & Motion rechargeable Light. Honestly, riding at night with a bright rechargeable light is well like night and day from riding at night with a not so bright light. A good light is especially important in Santa Cruz where our numerous potholes can too easily cause you to crash.
How do you deal with bad weather?
Goretex rain pants and jacket and plastic bags for my shoes or a change of shoes when I get to work.
What would you say to encourage others to bike to work?
With the price of gas going up, biking to work is a great way to save money and get daily exercise.