Traveler Spotlight

Occupation: Fire Fighter (Engineer)/Paramedic/Fire Boat Pilot

How do you usually get to work? How long have you been using this travel option?
I used to drive, but now I primarily ride an E-bike and some days just my regular road bike. I bought an EBike to have a quick way for me and my daughter to get around downtown. I’ve been e-biking to work since May 2024 but used to bike to work many years ago.

How far is your commute? How long does it take you each way?
7-8 miles, and up to 15 miles the times I have been moved to another station.
It usually takes 22-30 mins depending on my route, and up to an hour if I must come to Station 7 first to get my gear then ride over to Station 3 for example.

What made you decide to get to work this way?
When I decided which E-bike to purchase, I chose one that would work well also as a commuter too, it’s a cargo style. I heard about the Commute Trip Reduction and the extra stipend/awards such as gift cards, so I decided to sign back up and commit to commuting by bicycle again. I had done this years ago when the monthly incentive was only $15. The main reason I commute this way is because I enjoy it. I get a 20-30 min mini work out before and after work. It’s nice to have the electronic motor especially when I am moving from one station to another, and I have to load up all my gear and transport it with me. It’s the equivalent of hauling around 3 small lockers of stuff. I need pack my Firefighting gear, uniforms and PT clothing, bedding, and food for 24-48 hours. The bike also weighs over 70lbs.

What is your favorite thing about your commute?
The extra 20-30 mins of exercise I get, it also gives me time to get ready for my shift mentally and time to decompress on my ride home after.

What is a challenge of your commute? How have you overcome that challenge?
One challenge is the weather in pacific northwest (cold/rainy). I invested in some Hi-Viz riding rain gear with merino wool base layers which have helped a lot.

Another challenge is traffic and distracted drivers (texting etc.), on the way in its not as much of an issue as there are fewer cars on the road, especially on the weekend, but on the ride home which is after 0700 it can be nerve racking as some cars get too close while passing, turn directly in front of you right after passing and cut you off, or nose out in traffic from side streets with no regard for cyclist. I try to take side streets when I can to avoid this, but that can add time to the commute and also put me on roads that don’t have a designated bike lanes.

Tell us a favorite or interesting commute story.
My old commute by bike years ago included the passenger bridge (bike path) west bound over I-205. You can pick up a fair amount of speed on the decent, well when its dark in the morning the rabbits love to wait until the last minute and run across the path directly in front of you as you see a flash in you bike headlight go by. This can be terrifying at 20mph+, I think the first time it happened I felt like I closed my eyes and held on for dear life. Lucky for my sake and the bunny rabbits, we never ran into each other, but they did give me a good startle.

How does your commute help you save time and/or money?
It doesn’t save any time, but it does save money in fuel and maintenance costs of a vehicle.

How does your employer help accommodate your commute option? 
I can park my bicycle in the truck bay at the fire station, I would not feel safe leaving my bicycle or e-bike anywhere parked outside where I can’t keep an eye on in Vancouver, it would get parted out even if it’s well locked up if not stolen all together. The CTR benefit is nice too.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to use a climate-friendly commute option?
Talk to others that do it already, come up with a plan and go for it. You will learn as you go and there are going to be challenges and inconveniences along the way, but you may learn to like it and prefer it.

I much prefer riding in even if it’s cold and raining, as long as I am prepared for it, I think it’s a great way to start your day.