Bicyclist of the Month
March Bicyclist of the month Olivia Payne, Euclid resident.
Where do you enjoy riding?
I enjoy riding all around euclid. I ride to work, my friends house, Sims park, and the grocery store. Is it for transportation, recreation, or both? Biking is my source of transportation and recreation. I could simply get into my car and drive the 5 to 10 minutes down the road; but it's much more enjoyable to bike and it keeps me in shape.
Do you ride year round?
I do ride year round. Sometimes in the winter, when the wind is blowing and I feel like my body has turned into humansicle, I question why I decide to bike rather than drive. But when I get to work and my co-workers ask me 'if I biked to work in this weather' with a smile on their face, it makes the 3 mile ride worth it!
How do you dress for the cold?
When biking in the cold I wear a jacket with a hoodie underneath, mittens, a scarf to cover my nose and lips, a light winter hat under my helmet, pants, long socks with boots.
Do you ride your bike to work or school? Describe the experience.
I bike to work 5 days a week! It's only a 3 mile bike. I work on Lakeland Blvd in Euclid. The ride there can sometimes be difficult, especially in the winter mornings when the sidewalks aren't clear. When that happens, I opt to biking in the street. Some people rushing to work fly closely by me after laying on their horn for 15 to 20 seconds. Coming home from work is fine. I think people may be a little more relaxed once they got off work.
If you could change or improve one thing about your cycling experience, what would it be?
I would like to take bicycling classes where someone shows me the ropes of biking in the street and how to fix things on my bike. I am commuting everyday on my bike in the city of Euclid and love to gain more confidence while riding in the street. I would also like to be able to have the knowledge of how to fix my bike in case of an emergency. I would also like a shower at my job, because I get very sweaty biking.
Why do you ride?
I ride because it makes me feel productive, I don’t have to spend money on gas, it keeps me in shape and overall, I just really enjoy riding and it makes me happy!
To be considered for Bicyclist of the Month, contact us at bikeEuclid@gmail.com.