If you’ve walked down South Franklin Street in the last few weeks, you may have noticed tourists passing by in style in the back of a dark green pedal-powered cart, pedaled by a driver in front. These bicycles, called pedicabs, are now providing human-powered rides throughout downtown courtesy of a new Juneau business, Alaska Pedicabs. …
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"I researched recumbent bikes, and applied for a grant. The end result is I have a Terra Trike, and am able to go riding and have a new outlook on life."
Judy: The word that encapsulates biking for me is "joy" because I so often realize that I am smiling as I ride.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (a.k.a. JKT) is a representative for the 34th district in the Alaska State House, which encompasses many Southeast Alaska communities including Sitka, Hoonah, Kake, Klawock, and Craig. While the legislature is in session in Juneau, he often commutes to his office by bicycle.
Riding always makes me feel like a little kid. There is a freedom and a lack of conformity that only a mountain bike brings. As I see it, riding my mountain bike is limited only by my imagination. I can be happy riding anywhere on my mountain bike. I have been known to ride for hours inside my garage on a cold winter’s day, just doing track stands or hopping over and around obstacles of shoes, tools, and dogs.
Samantha found out that an adult family friend, Amy, did not know how to ride a bicycle. She took it upon herself to write a lesson plan and teach Amy to ride. Samantha told Amy that it was important to learn to ride a bike because "then you are free." After Amy finished her lessons, Samantha presented her with a completion certificate, declaring her an official bicycle rider.
The electric assist cuts off at about 17 mph so I cruise along a little slower than I did on a regular road bike, but that's okay because now I'm able to tackle over 100 miles a week. I'm convinced these bikes are a great solution for anyone that aspires to ride everyday but doubts their ability to do it.
Don't worry about the "right gear" or what the weather is doing. Just get whatever bike you have and start riding. You will realize that the weather is never as bad as you thought and that any old bike can be a source of exercise, good health and just plain pleasure in your hectic life.
Any words of advice for new riders? Fenders!
What do you love most about riding to work? The exercise and the ever changing view and feel of the water, mountains, sky and air as I ride the bridge over Gastineau Channel into town.
Juneau Rides 