Commuting by Velomobile (Claire Williams)

STORIES FROM VELOMOBILE COMMUNITY

Commuting by velomobile. Cycling as part of everyday life.

Author: Claire Williams from USA.

I’ve been an avid cyclist the majority of my life. When I moved from Western New York to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, over 35 years ago, I found it to be a very bicycle friendly community. Just to give you an idea of my early commuting years, after our move to the Eastern Shore and before I re-entered the workforce, I would pedal my children to school (Ibis tandem and Burley trailer). Needless to say, I was the only mother in our town that transported her kids by bike, most arrived on the school bus. Once I re-entered the workforce, I could only commute occasionally due to the demands of family and young children and I always considered it a plus when I could actually ride my bike to the office. One of my most memorable times was when I decided, instead of riding my regular road bike, I pedaled my Schwinn Silver King bike (inherited from my mother) to work. This antique bike has a skirt guard and, since my office was only five miles away, I decided there was no need to put on cycling gear that particular day. Instead, I wore a dress and pedaled in high heels (and, of course, wore my helmet) just because I could – LOL. I’m sure you can imagine the looks I got. If I had been in the Netherlands, I wouldn’t have even gotten a side glance as pedaling in business attire is normal for their cycling commute.

 

Pocomoke River

Outside my office door

Outside my office door, another angle looking down the hallway in our office suite.  This is where the bike is parked during the day.

My way into work in the morning

My way into work in the morning

My way into work in the morning

My way into work in the morning

My way into work in the morning

My way into work in the morning

1^st stop at school – locker room to take a shower

1^st stop reference to the locker room

Taking the Bülk up in the cargo elevator to my third floor office