Three years ago, I moved from Revere to North Andover to live closer to work at Wyeth BioPharma in Andover. I used to live 22 miles from work and took advantage of Wyeth's discounted T pass program. I took the bus into Haymarket and caught commuter rail to Ballardvale, and a shuttle brought me the remaining 1.5 miles.
Now I live 9.5 miles from work and have continued to use alternate means of commuting at least one of the three days a week I work. I have been riding a hybrid bike and carpooling with my neighbor who also works at Wyeth.
Last year, my dad bought me a motor scooter because he thought riding my bicycle was dangerous, especially crossing Routes 114 and 125. I'm not sure about reducing the danger, but I thoroughly enjoy riding "Kym," a Kymco People 250, to work. With more than 70 MPG, I feel good about driving it. Last year, I rarely rode my bicycle because I enjoyed the motor scooter so much.
This April I got a new mountain bike and named it Teresa. I have gotten my 9.5 mile commute down to a 35-minute ride. Sometimes I bicycle both ways. Other times, I drive my car to work with my bike in the trunk, bike home and bike to work the next day and drive my car home.
This year, Teresa has gotten more use than Kym. It's wonderful having options and knowing that you are making a difference simply by choosing alternative means of commuting. My heart and conscience feel good.
Lisa
Wyeth
Andover
