[Rec_bike] Jlab FCCC

[Mathew Wright]

David,
     I have been cycling to work for almost a year now.  Arne helped me 
to realize what a great idea it is.  I have no problem riding when it is 
dark outside because almost everywhere I ride is well lit, I have light, 
and bright clothing.  The location that is not lit on my path to work is 
the dirt road I take from Canon to the residences facility that does not 
have any cars on it.
     Regardless if it was dark outside or not, I never liked biking to 
work when I lived in the Denbigh area.  There where many more instances 
with motorized vehicles and foot traffic.  One of my reasons for buying 
a house where I did was so I would be able to bike to work safely.  Each 
person who does bike to work needs to really pay attention to the path 
that they take in and assess the amount of risk they are taking.  Anyone 
who gets on a bike is taking extra risk.
     I love the idea of biking for many reasons, one which is the 
reduced impact on the environment due to my commute.  Maybe you can 
expand Arne's idea and give credit to anyone willing to make it to work 
without being behind a steering wheel.  I think that people can walk, 
ride a bike, ride the bus, or get a ride from a friend.

Mat





On 8/13/2013 9:56 AM, David Abbott wrote:
>   Hi Arne,
>     Sorry for the late response. As a fellow bike commuter (and JAG member) you know that I am very much in favor in trying to
> support anyway we can the expansion of these types of programs. But to be honest I think this JLAB FCCC thing you got going is just
> a little too intense - even for me. I can deal with heat or cold and accidently getting caught in the rain to or from, but there is no
> way I will purposely commute in the dark at rush hour (no matter how many lights I have).
>     In general I also do not think this is something to use/advertise as a promotion to get more people interested in the idea of bicycle
> commuting, particularly if they have never done it before. I would like to try and bring some resources to bear on the idea of a more lab-wide
> advocacy of bicycle commuting - perhaps in the Spring when it is wonderful to pedal in. I think JAG can provide prizes and bike goodies,
> but we also need those of us who do commute regularly to help provide info, maps, tips, etc... for all those who would like to try
> for themselves. In addition I would like the Lab to provide some resources to help commuters (like covered areas to store our bikes).
>     Anyway, good luck in your challenge this fall. I will be commuting most days (right up til daylight savings goes away). I am open
> to some planning meetings to discuss possibilities for a Spring Ride Your Bike to Work Week or something along those lines. Let me know
> what you think.
>
>      Cheers,
>        David
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Arne Freyberger" <freyberg at jlab.org>
> To: "rec bike" <rec_bike at jlab.org>, mooney at jlab.jlab.org, "David Abbott" <abbottd at jlab.org>, "Chris Slominski" <cjs at jlab.org>, "David Douglas" <douglas at jlab.org>, "Keith Cole" <colek at jlab.org>
> Sent: Friday, August 9, 2013 10:54:39 AM
> Subject: Jlab FCCC
>
> The annual Jlab Fall Cycling Commute Challenge (FCCC) is almost upon us. The FCCC is meant to encourage sustained bike commuting here at Jlab. Last year three of us tracked our bike commute days from Labor day to the Winter Solstice. This is a particularly challenging time span as it starts with late summer days in the mid-90s, transitions through daylight savings time, and ends with the sheer joy of bike commuting with temperatures in the 30s, rain and darkness.
>
> With that in mind, I encourage everyone who participates to make sure they have a safe (lights, reflectors) bike to carry them through the challenge.
>
> This year I propose two awards:
>
>
>      1. Highest percentage of scheduled days commuted to work by bicycle
>      2. Most bike commute miles
>
> This is different than last year, where one of use was penalized due to work related travel. So days where one is not schedule to be at the lab (travel, vacation, sick) are not counted.
>
> I've developed a google-doc spreadsheet that will be used to track everyone's progress, so if you are up to the challenge let me know your gmail address and I'll share the spreadsheet with you.
>
> Awards??
> Dave and Bill : Is JAG or the JLAB sustainability office willing to "support" the FCCC and provide incentives (aka as prizes)? Otherwise it will have be an exchange of fermented malt beverages again.
>
> Arne