It’s been ten years since San Francisco adopted its Vision Zero policy, and the results might not make you want to go hop on a bicycle. Although biking can be scary, here’s what Ellen Kerr has to say.
You are so brave, such an athlete; you are so amazing. This is what people say when they find out that I ride my bike from the Mission District to George Washington High School every day: a commute of 5.5 miles each way with one big hill at the end. But this is not at all how I see myself. I’m not brave, certainly NOT an athlete, nor amazing. I got straight C’s in PE class, was picked last for every team, and flunked the physical fitness test for running because I would get these debilitating side aches during sprints. I don’t get these riding because I can take breaks where I just coast along and check out the flora and fauna of Golden Gate Park while the athletes in their pure spandex buzz by me.
You may ask why on earth this unathletic middle aged lady started riding to work? It started with monetary stress. We had to leave our rent-controlled apartment, causing our rent to quadruple. My bank account was shooting towards negative numbers and I was gaining weight. I had to take drastic action. When my daughter started taking Muni by herself to school, I ditched the car and started riding. As a result, my bank account has recovered and I have stopped gaining weight. I am now 62 and have osteo arthritis in many of my joints, but biking rarely triggers any pain while other forms of exercise do.
I know not everyone can give up their car and bike to work. But I bet, if I can do it, a lot of other people could do it. And you too could save money, get in shape and enjoy a healthier planet.
With a Perspective, I’m Ellen Kerr.