Tell me a little bit about you (name, age, occupation, car-free or
Car-lite, where you live).
“I'm Helen McConnell, I live in Portland, Oregon. I've been around for 52 plus years, but I'm about 39. My occupation is encouraging and empowering people to live their best life. That includes cycling and having fun. I'm employed full-time as the Food and Beverage Manager at Portland Center Stage
http://www.pcs.org/ - a professional, live theater here in Portland. I'm also employed part-time at Nossa Familia Coffee Company
http://www.familyroast.com/, where I am the Community Events Coordinator. That means I set up the booth at the Farmer's Markets, and at cycling events where we serve our outstanding bean.”
“I'm a gardener and urban beekeeper - very Portland, very hippie. I am the mother of four (yes four) teenagers. Well, my oldest daughter will be 20 this week. I'm an amateur photographer, blogger and writer.”
“I am carlite, although I rarely drive anymore. I had to register my motorized vehicle today and vowed never to do it again! As soon as I owe less on that car than I can sell it for, it will be someone else's beast. I will likely continue to use
ZipCar for some things - like a trip to the beach or the Gorge. I love to hike and backpack - sometimes a car is necessary.”
When did you start using a bicycle for transportation and what effect
has it had on your life?
“I started commuting by bike when I started working at Portland Center Stage 2 1/2 years ago. It's 4 a mile ride from home to work, and I can literally ride my bike right into the building and to my office door, or to the secure indoor bike parking area. PCS is located in The Armory, which is a
LEED Certified Platinum building. That means we're really "green." Employees are encouraged not to drive to work.”
“None of my kids drive. They ride, walk, or ride public transportation.
One of my daughters got a new bike when she graduated from high school.”
“I volunteer at the Community Cycling Center, and recently took an Intermediate Bike Maintenance class. I'm building a bike in my basement.”
“Once I started commuting by bike, my entire lifestyle changed to a more relaxed, healthier one. I didn't really change my lifestyle, it just changed. I spend way less money on useless junk, because I no longer go to places like Target just for something to do. I love to ride to the symphony, or out dancing, or to an art show. I carry a change of shoes, and lock my helmet on my bike, or check it at the coat check. I am in the best shape of my life - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
(View of Helen's daily commute)
Please describe a typical day in your cycling life?
“I bike to work. Waterproof makeup is a must for stylish cycling :). I check the weather - current and forecast for the day, so I know how to dress. I ride to work EVERY day. So if it's 20 degrees out (which it was many days this winter), I layer up in mostly merino wool- it's quite a production - and get on my "city bike," so I can wear boots and two pair of wool socks. On a warmer day, I throw on a skirt and a tank top, and ride my road bike - with cleated shoes or cleated sandals (KEEN makes a women-specific cleat-sandal). If it's raining (which it has been a LOT lately), I add my Showers Pass rain jacket
http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/women/womens-jackets/womens-portland-jacket
- made here in Portland, it's gray and tweed-like, quite stylish and is waterproof and reflective.”
“I have a pleasant ride to work - especially when I zip by traffic. My route takes me across the Broadway Bridge over the Willamette River, to the West side of town. I always arrive in a good mood, because I have just filled my lungs with fresh air, heard the sounds around me, felt the wind (and rain) on my face, and cleared my head. I park my bike and take off a layer or two of clothing, change shoes into something a bit more stylish for work (sometimes), foof up my helmet hair, check my make up, and have my coffee. Then I take care of business. If I have errands to run during the day, I either walk, jump on my bike, or use a ZipCar for big stuff.”
“My part-time job is back on the East side, so I ride across the Burnside Bridge to get there. I'm a traffic-dancer. I get a certain pleasure from riding in traffic. I can ride as fast as a car can drive, and often faster. I can avoid bottlenecks, and jams easily. I love that! It's about 12 minutes to my other job. There, I ride right into the warehouse and park at my desk. The owner of Nossa Familia Coffee is an avid cyclist, so his company supports all kinds of cycling events.”
“I ride home in any weather - daylight or night. Portland is a very safe bicycling city, and I never feel afraid at night. My helmet and my bikes are well-lighted. I run most errands on my bike or on foot. My kids and I are fortunate to live near a Whole Foods, so grocery shopping happens nearly every day. I have four teenagers, so you can imagine how much food gets consumed!”
“I still love to ride for recreation, too, but I don't do long rides as often as I used to.”
What kind of bike(s) are you currently riding?
“A Trek Pilot 2.1 Road Bike with clipless pedals, and a Schwinn, 21-speed "city bike" with regular pedals”
In your opinion, what’s the best part about cycling for transportation?
“Great health/physical fitness; not buying gas or emitting all that CO2; not paying for parking; feeling like a kid - every day!”
What’s the worst?
“The condition of the roads in Portland. The rain wreaks havoc on them, and repaving is only now becoming a priority again.”
Do you have a favorite carfree/carlite story? (Something that really makes you smile or could possibly encourage others to use a bike instead of a car for transportation?)
“My sister - on her Dutch Bike - cruising around the city, looking like she's on top of the world! The transformation has been amazing to watch! She is not an athletic woman, nor does she wish to be. She always dresses nicely on her bike. She works downtown and rides every day. She and I had a bit of a competition going this winter to see "how low can you go?" We both rode every day, even when the temperatures dropped down to about 15.”
What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone starting/
considering commuting by bike?
"1) If you don't want to arrive sweaty, ride slow. 2) Don't let anyone intimidate you - drivers or other riders. Own your space! 3) Have fun!”
What changes regarding transportation would you like to see in the
United States?
“I'm seeing a lot of hoped-for changes, now that Ray LaHood is in charge of the DOT. We simply need to change the collective thinking - to a less car-centric lifestyle.”
Do you recommend cycling to friends/family members/youth or others?
Have any taken you up on it?
“My sister, who is two years older than I am, started riding and commuting by bike last September, after not having been on a bike for over 40 years. She loves it. Our brother-in-law just got a bike and is hooked on riding. Our mother wants to get a three-wheeler. She's 80. I recently assisted in a 6-week bike safety class at a neighborhood elementary school. The kids earned a "new" bike at the end of the 6 weeks. I learned way more than any of those kids did!”
Anything else you would like to add?
“Spandex and ugly cycling clothing are both optional. I only wear spandex shorts for rides over 10 miles. I think cycling should be enjoyable and comfortable. Invest in the best equipment you can afford. Add to your collection of gear and bikes as you go along.”
“Have any taken you up on it? I am an advocate of all cycling lifestyles and I will talk to anyone who will listen about it. My family is pretty sick of it I reckon! And most of my friends are living the same lifestyle that I have chosen so they all get it. I have just started to reach out to the bigger community and the youth but this is something that I look forward to doing more of in the future. I try to do lots of school visits and public appearances to spread the message of healthy bicycle living but I need to find time to do more.”
Please forward this to your friends. I think it would be interesting to see what fun challenges families have living this life style. Whether it is a family bicycling together on the weekends, bicycling to work and school, or just a family jaunt to the park on the weekends.
I need to tell you a secret. I hold back in my writing so as not to offend you. I do not want to offend you. In the case of the recent BP incident I think you will agree this is a sad summer for all the animals and environments affected by the spill. Maybe it is a good time to rethink your marriage with your car(s) and get a divorce or, at the very least a trial separation :)! What do you get out of the deal? You may get leaner, greener, save money, and have more fun. 
This is my main transportation. A Trek 820, steel mountain bike with rigid front fork. 26 inch wheels-one Gordo Salsa-the other a Rhyno lite, carbon fiber bar ends, fenders, bmx platform pedals, and a Arkel tail rider bag. The reason why I am sharing this, is it is not your typical bike, this is a work horse, made to go anyplace and in any weather. I have owned everything from high end Mountain bikes to $4000.00 carbon fiber road bikes, but this bike, retails for $329.00(but upgraded the wheels), has always suited me the best. Oh, and it is always dirty because I always ride it! All bikes work-you just have to find the one that works for you the best.
Please walk or bike. Peace, Bill
Mother and kids heading to the store on a summer day. I love seeing more and more families biking together like this, either for fun or for utility-gathering groceries or running errands. Well done parents!
A mother teaching her daughter how she can carry groceries in her basket. I love that basket. Bravo!
This is my friend Tom, I met Tom on the Greenway trails 10 years ago. He and his wife are artists. Tom rides an 20+ year old Fuji for transportation and fun. The use to live in Woodstock, NY. They also feed Ferrel cats that live along the creeks. And they get them fixed, and find homes for them when they can. Good people.
Sarah on a grocery run. She bikes to work also. I met Sarah in the PV Star Bucks a few years ago. I noticed her commuting to work a couple of years ago. She uses those two rear baskets for groceries or to carry work material. She rides a comfort bike. I think that is so cool!
Little boy riding his bike to the grocery store. He rode down with his mom and sister. 
Lunch with my friend Kate at Loose Park. Hard to beat a picnic on a perfect summer day. Kate works for the Brain Injury Association of Great Kansas City-they give out bike helmets to kid and adults who would otherwise not have them! Thanks Kate!
I like to roll and see things 
