Commuter Stories

Geoff Landis

Five years ago, WWU Scientific Technical Services Engineering Technician Geoff Landis didn't want to pay more for parking when rates were headed up. So he gave up his parking permit and started biking to work. Now he bikes nearly every day, three miles each way, through a park, on the Interurban trail and on lightly traveled roads. When the weather is bad, he puts his bike on the bus for the trip to campus. "I really enjoy the ride home" says Landis. "It's mostly downhill, and also a great way to unwind."

Although he started biking for financial reasons, Geoff now enjoys the opportunity to fit some physical activity into his day. He wants others to enjoy the health benefits of biking too. "If you're thinking about it, just go out there and do it! It may be hard the first few times, but it will get better." And he isn't shy about sharing his enthusiasm for commuting by bike - May 21, 2010 will mark his third year volunteering for Bike to Work and School day.

Landis has upgraded his bike a few times. Even so, he figures biking to work has saved him money over the past five years. The little truck he used to drive to work now only needs a fill up once every three months.

Geoff logs his bus, carpool and (local) walking trips online at www.whatcomsmartrips.org. By logging his smart trips to work, errands and leisure, Landis is eligible for discounts, cash prizes and other rewards. He won the $25 Munch Money prize in December's Sustainable Transportation smart commuter drawing.