NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

By: Denise Lineberry

Each working day, most employees commute to NASA Langley by foot, car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle.

According to an @LaRC poll, 91 percent of responders drive alone to work. Only 1 percent choose to commute by bicycle.

Judging from the feedback and turnout at the September Green Bag Lunch, led by Jeff Cerro, the interest in commuting by bicycle is greater than 1 percent.

A group at NASA Langley, now known as the “LaRC Bicycle Commuters Working Group,” is hoping to make it easier for those who would prefer to pedal to work.

Cerro’s interest in bicycle commuting arose about the same time that gas prices did. But even with lower gas prices, Cerro realizes the benefits of riding his bicycle, such as, better health and traffic reduction.

But he also realizes there are at least two sides to every situation.

Many employees at NASA Langley who do not have biker-friendly routes from home, chose to ride their bicycles after arriving on center. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith

Click image to enlarge

Cerro lives within five miles of NASA Langley and has safety concerns with riding on Wythe Creek Road. And, according to another @LaRC poll, 174 other employees would “bike more” if a Wythe Creek bike route were available.

But it takes more than a route to be a successful bicycle commuter.

“We need to educate, not only riders, but drivers,” said Eric Stringfield, from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Lawrence Taylor, who has been commuting by bicycle since high school, agrees. He is trying to coordinate a Traffic Safety 101 course for the center, taught by VDOT certified instructors.

“Outside of the helmet and proper bike, how to ride is the most important piece,” Taylor said. “You have to be predictable.”

Gale Harvey, a NASA Langley employee and safety chair for the Peninsula Bicycle Association has biked more than 200,000 miles on the Peninsula over the last 30 years. “Coming in and seeing the sunrise through the seasons is a delightful ride,” he said.

Harvey explained that the Peninsula Bicycle Association has three or four rides each week for nine months of the year. “These rides are a great tool for learning,” he said.

The “LaRC Bicycle Commuters Working Group,” is working to maintain its voice in the city. The group is also hoping that NASA Langley will provide incentives to employees who chose to commute by bike.

“Better cycling access is in city plans,” explained Cerro. “But priority requires public encouragement.”

Cerro and Taylor hope to increase that encouragement from interested or potential bicycle commuters at NASA Langley.

Members and employees from Langley Air Force Base, VDOT, Hampton and the Peninsula Bicycle Association are already lending an ear and expressed an interest in hearing more about the “LaRC Bicycle Commuters Working Group” and its ideas outside of the Green Bag Lunch.

“We’re all individual advocates,” said Taylor.

In an effort to promote commuting by bicycle, a Web site, filled with resources and an open forum for discussion has been created at: http://ii.larc.nasa.gov/Bicycle_commuting


 
NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Lineberry