Commuting with Jennifer

Jennifer is a key member of the GoGallatin Safe Routes to School program and has been instrumental in advocating for high-quality active transportation infrastructure and programs during her tenure at the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University. Jennifer helps promote safe bicycling for children in the area. You may know her through her work with School District 7 and the bike rodeos that happen every spring and fall.

When did you first start riding a bicycle to commute to work?

In 2016 after a fall on the ice while I was walking resulted in a leg fracture. Because I could no longer run, I decided to buy a bike and joined the GoGallatin Commuter Challenge. What started as a way to stay active during recovery quickly became a long-term habit, and I have been commuting by bicycle ever since.

How do you commute?

Since Streamline does not serve my part of the community, I primarily commute by bike. I alternate between my gravel bike and my cargo bike, depending on how much I need to carry. Occasionally, I take a more flexible approach when traveling. I rode my Brompton folding bike to the airport one time, stored it in the overhead bin, and then used it as my primary mode of transportation once I got to my destination.

Did you make lifestyle changes to accommodate your commute?

Not significantly. In many ways, active commuting simplifies my routine. It replaces the need for separate exercise, so I save time by not having to go to the gym while still maintaining a consistent level of physical activity.

Can you describe your average daily commute?

My daily commute is about eight miles from Four Corners to my office south of the MSU stadium. For roughly half of that distance, I ride along the shoulder on Huffine, which can be challenging. However, with the recent support from the Gallatin County Commission, a shared use path is being developed, and by next summer it will cover nearly the entire route along this corridor. That improvement will significantly enhance safety and comfort for commuters like me.

What is your favorite part about active commuting?

I cannot ride a bicycle without smiling. No matter what is going on in my life, my commute gives me time to re-set. By the time I arrive at work or return home, I feel more relaxed, clear-headed, and ready for what comes next.

What would make your commute better?

Continued investment in infrastructure that prioritizes moving people, not just cars. Expanding safe, connected, and accessible routes for walking and biking would make active commuting a more viable option for more people.

What advice can you give people considering using active modes to commute?

Start small and be intentional. Build it into your routine in a realistic way. I check the weather the night before and plan my clothing, so I am ready in the morning. Reducing small barriers like that makes it much easier to follow through. Over time, those small steps turn into a sustainable habit.

Biking with Kara

Kara is the Shop Manager at the Bozeman Bike Kitchen. She runs the kitchen with efficiency and attention to detail, quality work and opportunities for all to work on their own bike. The Bozeman Bike Kitchen is a non-profit that has operated in the community since 2004 and offers bicycle riders workshop space and sales of bicycle components, clothing and refurbished bicycles.

Where do you hail from and what do you do at work?

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I've been part of the Bozeman community since 2014. I've been a professional bike mechanic for ten years, and am now the Shop Manager of the Bozeman Bike Kitchen, in charge of all day to day operations.

When did you first start riding a bicycle as a way to commute to work? 

I've been bike commuting since I was a teenager! I was reliant on my bike as my primary means of transportation for many years. If I was going somewhere, it was going to be on my bike. I now try to prioritize bike commuting whenever I can.

How do you commute?

I mostly commute by bike.

What makes your mode of commuting so appealing?

I love getting around on my bike because it's fun!  Riding home from work on a warm summer evening is the best feeling in the world. Plus, I spend so little money on gas.

Did you make lifestyle changes to accommodate your commute?

I don't have to change much about my daily routine to accommodate my commute.  Driving to work takes ten minutes. Biking to work takes about 15, and I'm much more awake when I get there! I should be better about checking the afternoon's weather forecast, but a little rain won't kill me.

Can you describe your average daily commute?

I'm one of those people who is chronically five minutes late, so getting to work tends to be a bit of a sprint. Going home, I get to have more fun. I like going a few miles out of my way to have long, leisurely rides in the evenings.

What would make your commute better?

My commute is most enjoyable when EVERYONE follows the rules of the road. Both cyclists and cars are safest when bikes are treated as slow moving vehicles. I don't want drivers to stop for me to cross the street; I just want them to give me appropriate space when passing and to use their turn signals. Safety lies in predictability. 

What advice can you give people considering using active modes to commute?

Don't be intimidated! You can spend money to get the fanciest, newest commuting gear... or you can just throw your stuff in a backpack and get going! The only things you need to own to be a successful bike commuter are front and rear lights, a good lock, and a well fit, current helmet. If your helmet is more than five years old, it's time for a new one!

Walking with Alison

Alison is an avid walker and can frequently be seen using the sidewalks and separated shared use paths throughout town to get to work and shop for groceries.

Where do you hail from and what do you do at work?

I was born and raised in Bozeman. At work I design posters, flyers, books, programs, maps, digital web graphics, email and social projects, logos, t-shirts, banners, signs, certificates, annual reports, magazines, brochures, cards, and business papers. I also am enrolled in an internship in cybersecurity.

When did you first start riding a walking as a way to commute to work? 

More than ten years ago after I started work professionally.

How do you commute?

In the beginning of my commuting to a job I probably walked 90% of the time and would  drive mostly on the weekends to access trailheads. Now that I'm taking a training course on the edge of town my split is more like 75% walking and 25% driving.

What makes your mode of commuting so appealing?

Exercise is a big part of why I walk, in addition to being outside, not sitting behind a wheel, no traffic, no parking worries, it costs less, and is better for the environment.

Did you make lifestyle changes to accommodate your commute?

I needed to schedule more time for getting where I need to be, so errands get spread out throughout the week. I like it that way though, taking a little more time to get places gives me time to think about my day, my options and make better decisions.

Can you describe your average daily commute?

I throw what I'll need in my shoulder bag or back-pack, pick a direction based on destination, time, weather, and energy level and start walking. Weekdays, my destination is the office, then to the grocery store on the way home. I like to stick to the walking/bike paths or the quieter side-street sidewalks.

What would make your commute better?

Drivers paying attention at intersections and bicyclists giving a heads-up when they pass. In addition, better lighting in some places, better maintained sidewalks, and consistent snow removal in the winter. Expanded transit routes would be great too.

What advice can you give people considering using active modes to commute?

Adjust your expectations for how much you need to get done during the day if you are choosing a slower mode like walking. Recognize that slowing down your days leaves so much opportunity to notice new places and things, appreciate the smaller moments and elements of your surroundings. Many people put a lot of energy into their yards and gardens and I love spotting the details while I'm walking. Things I'm still reminding myself on: consider the weather and dress appropriately (layer up); good footwear; and a way to carry all your stuff...your feet and your back will thank you.

Biking with Gail

Gail is relatively new to bike commuting in Bozeman but has embraced seasonal biking with enthusiasm. She is excited to mix up her daily routine of driving or walking from home to work by taking the cruiser out for a spin. She has also discovered how fun shopping by bike is!

Where do you hail from and what do you do at work?

I was born and raised in Arizona and made my way to Bozeman via Boise, Idaho, so that my husband and I could be closer to our children and grandchildren. I am a digital map maker (aka Geographic Information Systems Program Manager) and since I sit at a desk staring at the computer most of the day I love that my bike commute allows outdoor time.

When did you first start riding a bike for commuting to work? 

When my children were young my husband and I made a choice to move to a location in Boise that was within walking and biking distance to five parks as well as schools for the kids and the university for my own studies. A bus route also was in our neighborhood. We chose to live within the city so that we could enjoy those urban amenities as part of our lives. My daughter now lives in a neighborhood in Bozeman that offers the same good access to parks and schools. I am glad that raising them in that environment instilled in them the desire to live near amenities and services so that they could bike and walk with our grandchildren here in Bozeman.

How do you commute?

Its about a 50/50 split. I live pretty close to work but some days I have errands that require me to drive my car. On the days I bike to work I go home for lunch so I'm getting a little more exercise and then get to chill on the ride home.

What makes your mode of commuting so appealing?

It is difficult to find time to go to the gym and I like the idea of including fitness in my daily life. It also helps keep my expenses for gas lower when I bike more. This summer I missed the high price of gas because I didn't have to drive much. I used that saved money to upgrade my bike and accessorize with a basket!

Did you make lifestyle changes to accommodate your commute?

I have made a few changes but I feel they are worth it. I make my wardrobe choices more bicycle friendly so that the transition between the commute and the conference room is easier. I am happier when I ride my bike so the changes are good for me.

Can you describe your average daily commute?

Prepare the night before! Check the weather! Appreciate the active biking community! I can see myself in other riders. I want to be brave, like the woman who rides down Main.

What would make your commute better?

My commute is fairly safe because I bike on neighborhood streets but if I want to visit my children or grandchildren it is a bigger challenge and I would like those areas without safe areas for biking to be more safe in the future. In order for me or my grandchildren to bike more safely there needs to be better crossings on larger streets like Kagy Boulevard and Graf Street. There is also a small portion of the Gallagator Trail that looks very informal and I would like to see that section of the trail recognized in our active transportation trail system.

What are the best things about your commute?

I know I am doing something good for myself, my neighborhood and the environment.

What advice can you give people considering using active modes to commute?

Deciding you want to be more active, choosing how you want to live and live that experience by making it a little easier on yourself. Do some research, investigate bike type options and talk to experts on what will work. Having dealt with some old injuries, I talked to people about what kind of bike would work best to prevent further injury and make biking more comfortable. Also, be prepared for your transition into using an active mode and be prepared for what the day will bring.