Mayor takes sweet ride to work

Mail carrier Jeff Potter made a special delivery on his tandem bike Friday morning, pedaling Mayor Bob Crowell to his first appointment of the day.

"I should have put a 42 cent stamp on him," Potter said.

As the official kickoff to May's activities, Potter and other Bike Month organizers showed up at Crowell's house first thing in the morning.

Crowell, looking sweet upon the seat of Potter's bicycle built for two, rode through a light drizzle with the group of about six cyclists to his meeting at Comma Coffee.

"It's a phenomenal way to start the day," Crowell said. "I haven't ridden a tandem bike since I was a young kid. It felt like old times."

Crowell, who teamed with veteran journalist Cy Ryan to run in last weekend's Escape from Prison Hill Marathon on a team called Libel and Slander, considers himself "kind of a jogger."

When the Legislature is not in session, he said, he runs three to five times a week and rides his mountain bike. He supports the community effort, spearheaded by Muscle Powered, to promote bicycling this month.

"A pedestrian- and bike-friendly community leads to a better community," he said. "It also leads the way to defining a sense of community. Plus, it saves energy. It's a good, green exercise."

The ride with the mayor was the first in a month-long list of biking activities, organized by a group of volunteers.

"I barely slept last night," said Jeff Moser, a principal organizer. "I'm really excited to see what the turnout is this year."

Activities begin Monday with a commuter class and include a corporate challenge for employees to bike to work.

There are several group rides planned throughout the area, ending with a complete tour around the city, as well as a variety of workshops and film nights.

During Bike to Work Week, May 11-15, the city's bus service, JAC, will offer free rides to commuters.

Potter, who said he felt some pressure in transporting the mayor, said he was glad to get Crowell to his destination without any mishaps, like his pant leg getting caught in the chain.

"I guess this was my most memorable delivery," he said.

A year ago, Jesse Richardson decided to try biking to his work in the technology department at the Legislature.

"I just wanted to get in shape," he explained. "That's when gas prices went so high, and I had a bike that was being neglected."

Now that gas prices have dropped and he's in shape, Richardson continues to ride to work almost every day.

"It's just fun," he said. "I feel like a kid when I'm on my bike. It's a good feeling."

This year, he also joined the committee planning Bike Month events, including the Corporate Challenge to see what business can generate the most employees riding to work.

The Corporate Challenge runs during Bike to Work Week, May 11-15, and anyone may enter.

There are two divisions, solo rider and team. Solo riders compete for total mileage only. Teams will compete for total miles, number of trips and percentage of employees participating.

Alternative transportation is encouraged during Bike to Work Week and can be used during the competition, but cannot be counted as part of total miles biked.

Winners will be judged at the end of Bike to Work Week, and plaques will awarded.

Richardson said he's seen benefits he didn't even expect.

"It definitely helps beat the stress " especially during the session."