Going the Distance
City College cyclists crank out miles

BY ELI MILCHMAN

Donning his helmet like a warrior readying for battle, James Dunn straps his messenger bag onto his back, frees his mountain bike from its shackles in front of Ram Plaza and prepares to set off on the arduous 18-mile journey home to Larkspur, in the hills of Marin.

Photos by Anthony Castellano

This 40-year-old chemistry student's hour-and-a-half long (on a good day) grind is an extreme example of how many City College students and faculty are getting to campus: they ride bicycles. Stratospheric gas prices, a compact seven-mile by seven-mile city and streets jammed with SUVs have led some Rams to their bicycles. However, as many point out, riding a bike in the City is not always easy. "One thing that bothers me is that I have to climb a stinking hill to get here," Dunn says.

Not that Dunn does this sort of thing every day. The really long trek is reserved for Fridays. Most other days Dunn shortens his ride by connecting with Muni. "It's a good way to clear my head for the weekend," Dunn says of his Friday ride. Some students have grown tired of the hunt for parking, while some don't own cars. Others have more deeply seated reasons for avoiding the auto.

"I hate cars," says John Carey, a tall 24-year-old history major with the look of many years in the saddle. "It's not so much the pollution, but being in control of a car that weighs exponentially more than I do."

The former bike messenger has been riding and getting around car less for nine years. "Never owned a car, never had a license. Cars are just a hassle," Carey says. He currently commutes to and from Oakland using one of his three bikes combined with a BART connection.

Switching from a car to a bicycle can be difficult at first. A neophyte cyclist's road to freedom is usually potholed with problems. What bicycle should I buy? How do I take my stuff with me? What conditioner do I use to prevent helmet hair?

Eri Ishiyama's shocking pink Pacific bicycle peeks out from a cluster of bicycles around the bike racks in front of Ram Plaza. The 20-year-old music student started commuting just a few months ago when she moved far enough away from campus that walking would take her an hour; on a bike it takes just 15 minutes. "I could take buses or walk, but if I have a bike I could go anywhere," she said.

At just a hair over 5 feet and on a tight budget, the diminutive Ishiyama had trouble finding an inexpensive bike that would fit her. With the help of a knowledgeable friend, she eventually found her bike at The Recyclery in Marin (see sidebar) for about $40.

Spinning to work on a bicycle has garnered Erika Delacorte, a City College ESL instructor, some interesting comparisons to a certain famous cyclist. "They used to say, 'There goes Mary Poppins!' I had the long skirt, the silly bicycle."

55-year-old Delacorte has been commuting to work on a bicycle for an astonishing 30 years, much of which was spent in New York City. She reveals that cycling has side effects besides making one look like a Disney character. "I do some of my best thinking on a bicycle. It often changes my mood dramatically, and takes my mind off whatever ails me," she said.

The increase in bicycle traffic combined with an inadequate number of bicycle racks on campus also brings with it some problems, such as "visually impaired people banging into handlebars," says Muriel Parenteau, Disabled Students Programs and Services accommodations specialist.

According to Parenteau, the problem usually occurs when cyclists lock their bicycles to hand railings, parking sign poles or other objects not designed for bicycle parking. Parenteau also doesn't think the hazards are limited to disabled students. "Bikes block the sidewalk after they fall while locked to the blue [handicapped parking] zone signs. I consider this a hazard to everybody."

In the spring of 2003, Parenteau began a project to alert cyclists to the problem. "I think it's been a vast improvement," Parenteau says about the results of that project, noting that the number of incidents of students or faculty colliding with parked bicycles has fallen dramatically.

A group of cyclists, including Delacorte, worked with Parenteau to fill the need for more bicycle parking by successfully campaigning for the installation of new racks, which have appeared on campus over the winter break. The new racks are dispersed at three locations: at Rosenberg Library, the Arts Plaza and Batmale Hall (2nd floor).

CYCLING 101:So Many Bikes, So Little Time

Brian Bruckner, owner of local bike shop Big Swingin Cycles, and ex-messenger John Carey lend their expertise in an introductory guide to the world of commuting by bicycle.

Picking a bicycle can be a bewildering experience. "First assess what your needs are," says Bruckner. "Are you commuting or are you just going out to Chrissy Field and spinning with your kids?" Bruckner suggests a comfortable, upright and rugged bike for commuting. He adds that gearing is also an important consideration. "Make sure you get something that's geared for the city, so you don't have to bust a nut getting up the hills."

Keeping It Legal
As far as the law is concerned, a bicycle on the road is constrained by the same basic laws as a car. This includes obeying stop signs and traffic lights, and signaling before turning. Just like cars, bicycles aren't allowed on sidewalks (although police will sometimes turn a blind eye to this practice if the sidewalk isn't too crowded and if the cyclist isn't too clumsy).

The Night Rider
A front light is required by law at night, and although a rear light isn't, using one will increase a rider's survivability. "The trend is toward Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which provide huge amounts of light out of AA batteries," says Bruckner. More expensive halogen lights are bulkier but can provide near searchlight power, allowing a rider to better see obstructions such as potholes.

Under The Weather
Students relying on their bikes to get around will eventually have to ride in nasty weather, which usually means investing in some type of shield against Mother Nature's whimsy. "Arm warmers are priceless for anyone who rides a bike," Carey says. When the rain starts falling, a waterproof/breathable jacket will seal out water and allow perspiration to escape.

Instant Messenger
Let's face it: bike messengers are just plain cool. Here's a quick recipe for the rugged sex appeal and charisma of the messenger/hardcore rider look. Find loose-fitting clothes that don't tear too easily. Wear pants that end just below the knee or roll up your right pant leg to keep it from getting caught in the bike chain, but more importantly, to exude attitude. "I wear Carharts or cut-off Dickies," Carey says, referring to brands of pants popular in the messenger community. Buy a mini "u-lock" and shove it in your pants pocket so it sticks out menacingly. And of course, a functional messenger bag is de rigueur ­ one that has "The Gap" written on it doesn't belong on a cyclist.

Getting Into Gear

Bikes

The most important thing is finding a bike that fits you. Bikes with smooth, skinny tires move with less effort. Fatter tires are more comfortable. Used bikes sell for $50 - $300, while newer models go for $300 and up.

The Three Essentials

To prepare for the inevitable puncture, always ride with a pump ($15), tire levers ($3) and a patch kit/spare tube ($3/$5).

Helmet

Consider this the fourth essential. Wearing one could make the difference between a headache and a coma or worse ($30).

Clothing

Gloves ($30), wind jacket ($30-$100), sweat-wicking polyester t-shirt ($35) and arm warmers ($20).

Lights

LED blinkers for both front and rear will call attention to you and your bike and keep the cops from harassing you at night ($35). For more serious illumination, get a halogen light with an external battery pack ($80).

Locks

U-locks are almost impenetrable and deter thieves from even thinking about swiping your ride ($30).

Bags

Real messenger bags are waterproof and virtually indestructible, allow easier access to your stuff and look oh so hip. They can also be expensive ($70).

Rain Gear

Waterproof, breathable jackets are expensive but effective at keeping you dry ($200+), while coated nylon or plastic ponchos (or hey, garbage bags with the appropriate holes) work fine for short rides but don't breathe and sometimes lead to just as much moisture on the inside of the shell as on the outside ($40).

Resources

Craigslist.org - a virtual used bike shop; supergo.com - super inexpensive gear online; Big Swingin Cycles; TheRecyclery - largest selection of used bikes and gear in the SF area; San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (sfbike.org); the City College Bicycle Club (ccsf.edu/bikers).

CYCLING 101:So Many Bikes, So Little Time

Brian Bruckner, owner of local bike shop Big Swingin Cycles, and ex-messenger John Carey lend their expertise in an introductory guide to the world of commuting by bicycle.

Picking a bicycle can be a bewildering experience. "First assess what your needs are," says Bruckner. "Are you commuting or are you just going out to Chrissy Field and spinning with your kids?" Bruckner suggests a comfortable, upright and rugged bike for commuting. He adds that gearing is also an important consideration. "Make sure you get something that's geared for the city, so you don't have to bust a nut getting up the hills."

Keeping It Legal
As far as the law is concerned, a bicycle on the road is constrained by the same basic laws as a car. This includes obeying stop signs and traffic lights, and signaling before turning. Just like cars, bicycles aren't allowed on sidewalks (although police will sometimes turn a blind eye to this practice if the sidewalk isn't too crowded and if the cyclist isn't too clumsy).

The Night Rider
A front light is required by law at night, and although a rear light isn't, using one will increase a rider's survivability. "The trend is toward Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which provide huge amounts of light out of AA batteries," says Bruckner. More expensive halogen lights are bulkier but can provide near searchlight power, allowing a rider to better see obstructions such as potholes.

Under The Weather
Students relying on their bikes to get around will eventually have to ride in nasty weather, which usually means investing in some type of shield against Mother Nature's whimsy. "Arm warmers are priceless for anyone who rides a bike," Carey says. When the rain starts falling, a waterproof/breathable jacket will seal out water and allow perspiration to escape.

Instant Messenger
Let's face it: bike messengers are just plain cool. Here's a quick recipe for the rugged sex appeal and charisma of the messenger/hardcore rider look. Find loose-fitting clothes that don't tear too easily. Wear pants that end just below the knee or roll up your right pant leg to keep it from getting caught in the bike chain, but more importantly, to exude attitude. "I wear Carharts or cut-off Dickies," Carey says, referring to brands of pants popular in the messenger community. Buy a mini "u-lock" and shove it in your pants pocket so it sticks out menacingly. And of course, a functional messenger bag is de rigueur ­ one that has "The Gap" written on it doesn't belong on a cyclist.