Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 15th

[OurTulsa]

Bike to Work Day is Wednesday, May 15th. 

INCOG has planned a reception for the event from 6:30am - 8:30am at the Williams Green (3rd/Boston).

http://www.green-traveler.org/


Is there a bike commuter culture or bike as a mode of practical transportation in Tulsa?  I mostly see the spandex and toe clip crowd on City streets.  Very seldom do I see a person in street clothes on a bike in Tulsa --- every once in a while around the Cherry St. area. 

Is a bike commuting an important mode of transportation that Tulsa should consider supporting?  What could the City do to grow that mode?  Lanes, education?

[Ed W]

Ah, Grasshopper, when you can snatch the spoke wrench from my palm, you will have attained enlightenment!

There's a tiny mode share for commuter cyclists around Tulsa, probably less than 1%.  But the numbers fluctuate with the weather and gasoline prices.  Still, the bulk of the commuters I see are riding on sidewalks.  You can't travel far on sidewalks, so more experienced commuters use the street - as they should.  And they're more likely to be wearing cycling shorts, jerseys, and helmets.  Around here, the heat and humidity combine for ideal conditions contributing to the growth of bacteria on one's posterior.  In other words, saddle sores, nasty, nasty, saddle sores.  If you want to commute regularly, it's helpful to use the clothing that provides long-term comfort and hygiene.  (Magic Santa suits excepted, of course.)

Now, with that said, I can reliably say that there are a handful of bike commuters at AA, probably less than 30 out of about 7000 employees.  That's an insignificant mode share.  A much higher one would be found around the college campuses, but I suspect that bicycles merely replace walking in that situation.

INCOG is getting a new bicycle/pedestrian coordinator in town next month, so I can refer you to him if you like.  I'm full of information too, but only some of it is true.  (snark)

[SXSW]

A big deterent for bike commuters is lack of showers/locker rooms at their office.  I think the City should look into, if they are serious about promoting bike commuting, a tax incentive for constructing shower/changing facilities at offices to help offset the initial cost.  I also think Tulsa needs a new downtown YMCA that is centrally located in or near the CBD so bike commuters could potentially be members and shower/change at the gym.

[sauerkraut]

A big deterent for bike commuters is lack of showers/locker rooms at their office.  I think the City should look into, if they are serious about promoting bike commuting, a tax incentive for constructing shower/changing facilities at offices to help offset the initial cost.  I also think Tulsa needs a new downtown YMCA that is centrally located in or near the CBD so bike commuters could potentially be members and shower/change at the gym.

Yep, that's the #1 problem, as is a place to keep the bike till quitting time. There have been employers that offered showers to workers who cycled to work but they are few in number. Many buildings don't even have showers in them. Another problem is rain & ice storms that can form during the day.

[Hoss]

... Another problem is rain & ice storms that can form during the day.

[GG]

Bike to Work Day is Wednesday, May 15th. 

INCOG has planned a reception for the event from 6:30am - 8:30am at the Williams Green (3rd/Boston).

http://www.green-traveler.org/


Is there a bike commuter culture or bike as a mode of practical transportation in Tulsa?  I mostly see the spandex and toe clip crowd on City streets.  Very seldom do I see a person in street clothes on a bike in Tulsa --- every once in a while around the Cherry St. area. 

Is a bike commuting an important mode of transportation that Tulsa should consider supporting?  What could the City do to grow that mode?  Lanes, education?

I think you mean "Friday May 15th"   

I will not be able to participate.   I have a colonoscopy scheduled for that day, I don't think my doctor would allow me to ride a bike home after the procedure.