Bikes + Transit = A Flexible Alternative

You might have a solution stashed in your garage that will save you money on your commute – a bike.

So, wipe off the dust, roll out the wheels and join METRO’s Bikes on Buses revolution - the program is booming!

Meet Hao Le – pictured on the left, front row in grey shorts - senior legal counsel at METRO and president of the agency’s bike team, the METRO Cycling Club. Count this avid rider among the 35,145 boardings METRO’s Bike on Buses (BOB) program registered from October 2008 to May 2009 - a 291 percent increase compared to the 8,987 boardings the program recorded during the same period in FY2008.

METRO began installing bike racks on its bus fleet in April 2007 to launch the BOB program. That same month – a group of METRO employees created the METRO Cycling Club. By the way, the group has also seen a boost in its own in membership from a modest 17 to 60.

It was also at this time that Le ditched his car for good. He donated his four wheels and now moves on two.

“All of my family and friends think I am crazy,” says Le. “It just reminds me of the Matrix movie. We have to get unplugged.”

Le’s referring to thinking outside the box. His commute to work is definitely not the norm. The 37-year-old starts his weekday routine at 7 a.m. sharp when he rolls out of his house and onward to the 53 Briar Forest bus stop. There, Le loads his bike on the bus’ bike rack and naps for about 45 minutes until he reaches downtown. Then, he hops back on his bike and pedals to METRO headquarters at 1900 Main.  At the end of the day, Le sticks to his two wheels for his 24-30 mile trek home, though he often stops at Memorial Park for a workout.

“Prior to commuting on a bike, it would take me about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get home,” adds Le. “Now, I get home in 45 minutes to 1 hour, minus the workout time at Memorial Park.”

Le believes using the bike-bus combination is feasible, but there is definitely a learning curve that starts with simply changing one’s habits.

“There is an adage that it takes doing the same thing about 20 times before it becomes a habit,” says Le. “With some planning, the Bikes on Buses program is not only functional, but actually a more efficient method of commuting versus a car.”

Whether you agree or not, the latest figures from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) state one can save $8,691 per year by riding public transit. Imagine how much more you could save if you incorporate your bike trips with transit.

Chances are you’ve ridden a bicycle before. According to Le, that’s half the equation to being not only “green” but living a healthier lifestyle without having to diet.

“They should experiment with riding to work for just one day,” says Le. “They will soon become more efficient, and one day turns into more days. Then, they may end up like me and not have a car.”

Though you probably won’t be casting off your vehicle just yet – think about the BOB program. It’s a flexible, economic option.

So, after pedaling and riding the bus for two years… does Le miss his car?

“Only when it rains or when I’m tired/lazy or when I have to go to the store.”