Downtown? No Sweat.
The downtown area of any city is a challenge to bikers, and Toledo is no exception. Heavy traffic and the poor condition of approach streets keep the central city well down the list of favorite places to ride. There is a growing number of bicycle commuters, however, who won't let a few minor inconveniences like these keep them from enjoying their daily ride to work. One of these is Doug Smith, an engineer at SSOE Group, a global architectural, engineering and construction management company with headquarters in downtown Toledo.
       Doug is a serious biker, rather than just a bike commuter, and sees his daily ride as another extension of his bicycling lifestyle.

Why do you commute by bike?
Doug:   Primarily for fitness training. I enjoy riding, and riding to work reduces my stress level. It saves gas, too. I have a mileage goal each year, and the commute helps me reach that goal. This year, my goal is 5,000 miles.
How long have you been commuting to work?
Doug:   Years ago, in the late 70s or early 80s, I commuted just in the summer or when my car was in the shop. About three years ago, I decided I wanted to improve my fitness level and get more riding time, so I started commuting to work every day.
How long is your commute, and what route do you take?
Doug:   It's about an hour each way, 17 to 20 miles depending on the route I take. I live in Waterville, and my favorite route is River Road to Maumee, cross the bridge to Perrysburg and take Rt. 65 to Rossford, cross under I-75 on Miami Street, past the Willis Boyer and The Docks to Cherry Street, cross back over the MLK Bridge to downtown and my office on Madison Avenue. I take other routes from time to time, as well.
Do you have any problems biking downtown?
Doug:   Not really. There are a few approach routes with roads which are in pretty good shape. Like all bikers, I favor smooth, low traffic streets, but these are hard to find in the near downtown. Most of the time I take the bus in to work and ride back home. Busses are equipped with bike racks, so this is convenient for me. It avoids the problems of arriving to work sweaty.
Do you commute every day?
Doug:   No. Winter riding (December to February) is not bad, but I don't like riding at night or before the sun comes up. My work schedule impacts my riding schedule, as well.
What has been your biggest adjustment in commuting?  
Doug:   At first, riding in traffic was a bit intimidating, although I've been riding on the roads since age 13. Carrying stuff, like work clothes and gear needs some planning. I use a messenger bag to carry things,  but I don't like it - it slows me down.
What is your job, and how do you usually dress?
Doug:   I'm a project manager and senior engineer for SSOE Group, a global company with headquarters in Toledo. Business casual is our standard dress.
I understand there are others in your company who commute as well. Where do they commute from?
Doug:   There are three others. They commute from Old Orchard and the Bowsher High School area.
What facilities has your employer made available for you?
Doug:   We have the normal restroom facilities and a wall rack in the basement to hang our bikes. On days when I ride in, I use baby wipes to clean up.
How did you approach your employer about commuting?
Doug:   I asked if I could park my bike somewhere inside, and they said someone else was already doing that and that I could park in the basement. Later rennovations added the rack.
How have your employer and fellow workers reacted?
Doug:   To my employer, it was no big deal. Most people think I'm nuts. "That's a long way!" or "What about traffic?" are typical reactions.
How has commuting by bike affected your workplace relations?
Doug:   People who know me will talk about biking or ask me if I rode in today. My attitude is better when I bike. Nothing has really changed much.
What advice would you give to prospective new commuters?
Doug:   Spend time reviewing your potential routes. When I first started, I rode over the high level bridge twice - it was a scary surprise when I hit the expansion joints (I changed my route). Talk with people who are already commuting. Read bicycle magazines or go on-line for articles on commuting. An Employer's Perspective
I also talked with Glen Blohm, facilities manager for SSOE Group, to get management reactions to the issue of bicycle commuting.
How does SSOE feel about bicycle commuters?
Glen:   We encourage it. It reduces the parking demand and reduces emissions.
How were you first approached about providing facilities for bike commuters?
Glen:   One or two employees asked me for permission to park their bikes in the basement. Later, when we looked at qualifying for a LEED rating, I suggested that the company reimburse employees who used public transportation, car pooling or biking to work to reduce parking demand and emmissions.
What kind of process was involved at the corporate level?
Glen:    We had to review the issue with the human resources department, because if employees are compensated for not using the parking provided, there were reporting issues. We also needed to decide if the policy would be applicable at all offices.
Was an official policy formulated?
Glen:   Yes, for the compensation issue only.
What kind of facilities were eventually provided?
Glen:    Because of space limitations, just inside parking space and, later, the bike rack.
Were the employees satisfied with this solution?
Glen:   Yes, although the possibility of installing showers for commuters was discussed, and I'm keeping this issue on my radar.
Does SSOE take advantage of the federal tax break for commuters?
Glen:   I'm not aware of this.
Does the company have a values statement which addresses environmental issues?
Glen:   Yes.
Would you encourage other employees to commute by bike?
Glen:   Yes, although downtown Toledo is not very conducive to biking.


©2010/2011 Bob Beach