Fascinating ways to Dump the Pump in Mass.

The Hazards of Bike Commuting are Worth It.

2007-10-16T05:21:00.001-07:00

Until recently, my daily commute was to drive 10 miles from Pepperell to the Ayer commuter rail station, board the 6:04 am train from Fitchburg. I arrive at 7:15 am at North Station, then power walk for 18 minutes to Genzyme in Cambridge. In the evening, I reverse everything and get home at 6:55 pm. By car, it would be 46 miles one-way, an estimated 1 hour and 10 minutes with good driving conditions. While these driving estimates are considerably less than my commuter rail commute, I am more rested when I get home. The extra energy allows me to play with the kids before bed time.

On June 11, I left my Mazda3 and I rode my bicycle 10 miles to the Ayer station, totally unprepared for the many challenges, with the goal to try to bike commute twice a week.

In June and July, I had plenty of light at 5:10 am to navigate 2 miles of streets to the Nashua River Rail Trail (NRRT) to the Ayer MBTA station. I made the 10 mile trip 14 times for a total of 140 miles, saving 4.6 gallons of gas.

On my first ride, I left 10 minutes later than planned, with no margin for delays and got a bug in my eye a mile down the NRRT. And while my eye is full of tears and blinking uncontrollably I struggled to maintain a pace to get me to the station on time. Ole “One-eye” rode on for about three-quarters of a mile before blinking out the bug. Several minutes later, with the eye still watering like crazy, another but got into the other eye.

Had I left on time, I could have stopped, but Ole “One-eye” rode on through the tears. Thankfully, I hadn’t passed anyone else on the trail. I can picture that: “No, buddy I’m not winking at you.” Despite Hazard #1 I did make my train, and now I ride with clear lens sport glasses.

I have discovered other hazards. The flying insects are on the list twice as Hazard #2, despite the new sports glasses, under the category of frequent choking hazard. I have a water bottle, but do I really want to wash them down? I opt for the rigorous coughing method. My other concerns are dozens of skittering rabbits (Hazard #3), and flittering birds intent on eating the flying insects oblivious to my presence (Hazard #4). Dodging the bunnies and kamikaze birds wreak havoc with my momentum and sap my energy, but I’m doing it for the exercise right?

In August, I committed to biking five days in a row, even with the dodging and the choking. I wasn’t sure I had the stamina and most of my morning ride is in darkness and a bit scary because there are very few street lights. My $35 commuter headlight shines about 20 feet up the trail -- great for walking or rollerblading, but when traveling 17 or 18 miles per hour there isn’t much margin for error when encountering pot holes and crazy little animals.

On Aug 27 at the MBTA platform with my helmet and backpack, a regular passenger commented on how it won’t be long before it will be dark every morning. One comment led to another and I described to the whole platform the near-zero visibility, incessant bugs, reckless fauna, and kamikaze birds. The train came and I finished by saying they shouldn’t worry because if I ever encounter I skunk I won’t ride the train with them.

Aug 28: enter Hazard #5 -- classic temperature inversion fog. The NRRT passes through several swampy areas, which explains the zillions of flying insects. The warm days and cold nights inevitably reached the foggy point and diminished my 20 feet of headlight illumination to an uncomfortable 15 feet. I was forced to slow down a little but I was doing okay, cold at 55 degrees.

That is until a dark shape appeared on the edge of the trail just beyond the shimmer ahead. I braked hard. Hazard #6 continued to waddle just beyond the brightest illumination. My first thought before braking was “Why did I joke about skunks?” Fortunately, my careful stalking revealed another tough customer in the form of a waddling pin cushion known as a porcupine. He stayed on course along the edge of the trail and I zoomed past on the other side relieved, but heart still hammering at what could have happened if Mr. Waddles was Mr. Stinky instead.

On Aug 31, I dumped the pump, despite all the hazards of the trail at night, for five days in a row. While there are many hazards, I have enjoyed the peace, quiet, and occasional picturesque moment of a pre-dawn reflection in the water. Who knew a swamp could look so good? I have saved three more gallons of gas -- attributable to the Dump the Pump challenge. I proved to myself that I have the stamina to ride several days in a row, and as long as the weather permits, I plan to ride three days a week instead of two, another result of Dump the Pump.

Sean
Genzyme
Cambridge

You 2 Can Make a Difference

2007-09-04T06:30:00.001-07:00

When I started at Genzyme in Waltham two years ago, I had to give up taking the commuter boat to work in Boston from Hull daily.

I had to hit Route 128 every day and it felt like 128 hit me back. The 40 miles each day took a toll on me mentally and took a toll on the car physically. I felt like 128 traffic was against me.

A year ago, our site hosted an “Alternative Way to Work Week” to challenge employees to try a new and environmentally-friendly way to get to work. Christine and I took the challenge and have been carpooling ever since. Sunny days are here again. We’ve traveled one-third of the way around the Earth together and have had a great time doing it. I wouldn’t dream of giving it up. Our one year anniversary is on October 4. We’re on track to reach our goal of 10,000 miles in our first year.

Taking the challenge was the best thing for us and we realized, “You 2, can make a difference.” As a plus, I can tell my friends that I have a driver every other day.

Cassandra
Genzyme
Waltham

Top 12.8 Reasons we Continue to Dump the Pump

2007-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

TOP 12.8 REASONS WE CONTINUE TO DUMP THE PUMP
12. Save fuel and wear and tear on our vehicles (an obvious benefit).
11. Reduced the number of cars on the road by one, each day we carpool (an altruistic, tree-hugging bonus).
10. Someone can adjust the radio or AC or call Smart Traveler for you.
9. Reduced potential for road rage, especially when our carpool companions recognize we have been wronged by a careless driver on the road (we feel validated, our sanity is saved, no need for a psychiatrist).
8. Enjoyed creating our own carpool lexicon, for example: when we spy a broken down car being assisted by the green CVS Cares Van, we state “Caring going on.” When we see a cop we state, “Five-O.” If the cop is on the other side of the road we state “Five-O-on-the-FLIP.”
7. Have fun brainstorming new bumper stickers for those of us who regularly dump the pump, i.e. “If we weren’t carpooling, you’d be behind an extra car right now,” or “You two could carpool,” or “Carpooling cuts your driving time in half,” or “My other car belongs to my carpool companion.”
6. Improved productivity throughout the workday, because when the carpool is leaving, it’s time to close up shop (better work output = better bonus).
5. Have another set of eyes on the road to see past the blind spots (we call this rally racing) and alert one another to dangers nearby or do the rubber-necking /describing of the accident scene for you (fewer slowdowns means the 128 commute is better for EVERYONE, more altruism).
4. Drastically reduce fatigue from the exhausting daily grind of a solo 60-70 mile round-trip (more energy each evening.
3. When you have someone in the car to talk to, the temptation to use the cell phone is completely erased (saved minutes = saved lives).
2. We get to enjoy the view from the passenger seat (for these 128 commuter, this is time to check out the beautiful morning mist over the Needham Flats).
1. You can tell your friends you have a driver every-other-day.
0.8 When you complain about traffic, you’re not talking to yourself.

About the author: Christine carpools 30-miles with Cassandra from Weymouth to Genzyme in Waltham. Since October 2006, they have transported each another on Route 128 for 152 workdays and 9,120 miles. They look forward to the 10,000 mile mark in September. Note: Previously they drove separately. Unfortunately, mass transit is inadequate on the 128 loop.

Back to Biking = Dumping the Pump

2007-08-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

I always loved to ride my bike when I was younger: to go to a friend's house, my local pool, or to get some exercise. Once I got a drivers license, my bike just started gathering dust, probably because, in our culture, one is almost expected to drive everywhere, no matter how far it is.

Last year I got a new job and we bought a house relatively close by -- 7 miles. So, when the good weather came around, I decided to give it a try and bike to work.

It was great to be back on the bike. Granted the first few bike rides weren't the best, since my bike really needed tuning-up. Having a large back-pack on my back made me feel very unstable on the bike.

Since then, I have tuned-up my bike. I enjoy fixing things and working with my hands, so this was an added bonus. I learned to bring my clothes and food to work the day before so that I don't have to carry anything on the days I bike. I've read up on good cycling techniques (riding a bike well is not as simple as it seems) and my bike rides have become a lot more enjoyable.

So, Dump-the-Pump, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep it that way for generations to come.

Jose
Philips
Andover

2007-08-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Dump the Pump for a baby

2007-08-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to recall my life before Mehmet Berkmen.

In April 2007, my trusty 1996 Nissan Sentra needed some repairs. With a 30-mile weekday commute from Somerville to New England Biolabs in Ipswich, it was clear that I needed alternative transportation while my car was in the shop. I had heard that a recently hired scientist, Mehmet Berkmen, just purchased a house in Somerville. Perfect. Mehmet and his wife live two blocks from me, so we agreed to carpool as often as possible.

I had no idea this simple favor would turn into a friendship. I had no idea that I was blindly walking into Mehmet’s elaborate plan of providing care to his 4 month old baby! You see, each day Mehmet delivers little Kaan to the onsite daycare facility at New England Biolabs, and retrieves Kaan at the end of the day.

In just our second day of carpooling, Kaan experienced painful teething and was not afraid to share -- in the form of constant ear piercing screams, with Mehmet saying to me “Brian I am soooooo sorry you have to be here for this!”

But Kaan is an incredibly well-behaved child in the car, and he’s typically asleep within 10 minutes of driving. His nickname is the “motion-detector,” because he demands that the move constantly. Should traffic halt our progress, he’s sure to express his dissatisfaction. I guess we’re just preparing him early on for the traffic woes that annoy all of us in the Bostonians!

After a few weeks of carpooling, Mehmet announced his master plan to me -- that he had to attend a seminar in Harvard Square and would appreciate if I would courier Kaan to daycare. My experience with babies is limited -- i.e. zero, but Kaan and I had become comfortable with each other and I accepted the responsibility of driving Mehmet’s car with the car seat and his child to work.

I received a number of comments from shocked coworkers as I strolled into work to deliver Kaan to daycare! Since then, Mehmet has asked me to do this favor a number of times and I am happy to provide this relief. In a few instances, this arrangement has worked beautifully to my benefit. When a meeting drags past 5 o’clock on a day that I’m performing my surrogate dad duties, I’m can easily excuse myself by announcing “Sorry, I have to leave before daycare closes!”

Since then, our carpooling has adopted some standard protocols. Mehmet makes us sandwiches, which are not served until we reach highway cruising speed. The radio stays tuned to NPR and we engage in debate about critical political topics. But our conversations range from our world travels to analyzing women and relationships, to dissecting the musical stylings of the new Beastie Boys album. We even took our “team approach” to the car dealership when we both purchased 2007 Toyota Priuses to improve our fuel economy.
Mehmet, Kaan and Brian are evidence that adventures of carpooling will enrich your life while also reducing your environmental impact.

Brian
Corporate Controller
New England Biolabs, Inc.
Ipswich

She connects with her boyfriend when carpooling

2007-08-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Since February, my boyfriend and I have been commuting to work together. I work in Andover, he in Wilmington. We save about $40 a week on gas and avoid driving more than 100 miles if we rode in two cars. It has been a great way for us to connect in the morning and again at the end of the day before we get home.

Mary
Wyeth
Andover

Pump visits cut in half

2007-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

I normally drive alone to work and dumped the pump by carpooling. I have really enjoyed swapping driving with my fellow carpooler. I only have to put gas in my car every other week. We commute together 4-5 days a week.

It's great to have someone to talk to. We work in different departments so it's interesting to hear what's going on in other areas. But, we also share several interests, like cooking and of course, the Red Sox.

We have different schedules, so I use the extra time to go to Wyeth's on-site Gym. It took a bit practice to get the gym bag packed every evening, but now it's a habit.

I drive 35 miles from Manchester, NH to Wyeth at Andover, MA. Wyeth has several really good programs and they help get commuters in contact with other people in their towns. I think we will keep it up.

Katrina
Wyeth

Update: Pump and Cholesterol DUMPED

2007-08-29T07:09:00.001-07:00

Since June, I have commuted to work by bicycle two to three times per week. In July, I received a new bike and CatEye cycle computer from my family for my birthday. I cycle 21 miles round-trip each day that I ride. I also try to cycle 20 to 30 miles on the weekends. Since June, my cholesterol dropped from 243 to 185 and my LDL dropped from 170 to 110 -- without medications or dieting. No need to join the gym.

Dumping the pump has been a bigger benefit than I ever imagined – both for me and the planet. The picture shows the last “hill” of my commute; carrying my bike up the stairs to the office.

JANET'S ORIGINAL ENTRY

Previously, I commuted 64 miles a day to Cambridge. I had NO work life balance.
One day I had enough of the nonsense and dumped the @#!*&$ job.
I found a better one closer to home.
Borrowed a bike -- Got the gear.
Now I bike to work and home, and get pumped at the same time!
My commute is 12 miles one way –- it takes 50 minutes -- the same time it took to commute 32 miles to Cambridge.
I live in Hopkinton and commute to Genzyme Corporation at 200 Crossing Blvd in Framingham.
By car, the shortest distance to work is 8.6 miles. By bike, to avoid bike-unfriendly roads, I take the longer (and hopefully safer) path.
Through forests, past lakes and streams, I can hear the birds and smell the fresh morning air on the way. The route crosses over the I-495/Mass Pike interchange where I used to sit in frustration, stuck in traffic.
The route crosses again under the Mass Pike where I see the traffic above me move at a frustrating crawl (at 7:00 AM, before Exit 12).
I am also pleased about two other things:
*I get better gas mileage than my husband does in his Toyota Prius (he’s so smug).
*I combine commuting and exercise, whereas before, my commute took so much time, I never had time to exercise.
As of this writing, I have biked to work and back three days. I will continue as long as the weather is good. I am 55 years old.

Janet
Genzyme
Framingham

Pump dumped, NOT the boyfriend

2007-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

I used to commute 30 miles along the Mass Pike each day to Cambridge. Conveniently, my boyfriend lived 5 miles from Cambridge. I moved in with him and now have a five mile commute.

Honey, if you read this, I only moved because I wanted to spend quality time with you -- I'm showing this by commuting in with you to Cambridge at least twice a week!

Meghan
Genzyme Cambridge

Carpooling is earth-friendly and friend-friendly

2007-08-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

I used to commute 55 miles each way alone in my Toyota pickup truck from Sturbridge to Genzyme in Cambridge. Being a nature-lover from birth made this hard on my conscience, but I loved having the truck for camping and kayaking.
After talking with friends and co-workers and realizing that much of our monthly income was paying for tolls and gas -- we were each paying $60 per month on tolls alone -- our three-person carpool was born. We signed up for a commuter pass and began carpooling three to five days per week. We were meeting 19 miles from my house, and commuting the rest of the way together, 36 miles. At the end of June I moved even closer to work, making my trip to the carpool meeting spot only 3 miles.
At times carpooling is tough, like on those days when you're not feeling good and want some peace and quiet. But overall it is fun and pleasant, and gives us a chance to talk about our ongoing work projects while we ride (dorky, I know). I enjoy the company and the discussions we have, and the money I am saving every month is great -- hundreds of dollars.

The following poem can better explain the situation:

Driving alone was never fun;
My bank account was getting low.
The tolls and gas and everything else
Were eating up all of my dough.

I was driving my truck and feeling bad,
About the footprint I had made.
What was I thinking? I've loved this Earth,
Ever since the very first grade.

I needed a change, I needed the cash,
I needed some friends for the ride.
And now I have it all, our carpool is great,
And makes me feel good inside.

We talk about science, we chat about things,
All the while we know,
That carpooling to Genzyme, four days a week,
Is so the way to go!

And so I get to keep my truck,
For all my outdoor fun,
But I needn't feel bad about hurting the Earth,
For she's my number one!

Jennifer
Genzyme Framingham

BLOGGER'S NOTE: Most carpools are formed by people who already know each other.

BLOGGER'S TIP: The Mass Pike offers a carpool transponder for use by 3-person carpools for $28, plus an annual toll of $25 or $50, depending on what zone you travel from.

He Dumped the Pump and dumped 30 pounds

2007-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

In May 2006, my wife gave me a bicycle for my 49th birthday. I took the hint, stopped driving and started pedaling 9.3 miles from Reading to Wyeth in Andover daily, about 35 minutes each way. Now it is my default way to commute to work. In 2006, I bike commuted 59 times.

By mid-August this year, I've already biked 57 times, lost more than 30 pounds hope to lose another 30. A website estimates it takes 1,000 calories (about 0.3 pounds of fat) for me to ride to and from work and that seems to be true. I now feel cheated when I don't get to ride my bike because I feel so much better when I do it.

Biking is not free. Maintenance and bike depreciation probably run about 10 cents per mile. However, the cost to run my car is probably 35 cents per mile so the savings are $4.67 each time I ride the bike. I feel better and save money, all for an extra 20 to 25 minutes per day of commuting time.

I also look at my riding as my contribution to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, which has brought us so much grief. It is very expensive cheap energy. If everyone saved energy or used local sources of energy such as natural gas, coal, wind, etc., we would not be so worried about foreign oil and all that has inflicted upon us.

My next car will be powered by natural gas, which I can fill up at my house! 98 percent of our natural gas comes from the US and Canada.

Phillip
Wyeth Biopharma
Andover

Long commute, shorter car costs by Dumping the Pump

2007-08-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

I carpool to work every day with a co-worker from Manchester N.H., to Wyeth Biotech in Andover, Mass., 34 miles each way. I save $ 85 dollars a month, plus wear and tear on my car.

Don
Wyeth Biotech
Andover

BLOGGER'S NOTE: AAA estimates the total cost of operating a moderately priced new car purchased with a car loan, at a minimum of 50 cents a mile when insurance, taxes, fees, maintenance, registration, parking, gasoline, finance charges and repairs are included. A typical car costs about $800 a month to operate. This commute costs about $34/day, $680 a month, driving alone.

Bike commuting provides different perspective

2007-08-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

I normally drive alone to work, approximately 15 miles. My car needed some service
so I needed to leave the car with the dealer for a few days. During this period, I decided to commute to work by bike.
Afterwards, I decided to bike more often. I realized that it takes about 90 minutes each way -- but it saves time. You get a great workout. You also save money and increase the life of your car. I also realized you see some characteristics of a neighborhoods which you would not be able to when you drive a car. This insight could be usefull when you're buying a house.

Dhruv
Philips
Andover

A 2.5-mile daily adventure to Dump the Pump

2007-08-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

This summer I am experimenting with new ways to avoid the pump while getting to work 2.5 miles between Somerville and Cambridge. Usually, I walk 15-20 minutes to Porter Square. This is a great chance to get some exercise, spend time outside, talk on the phone and/or people watch. Then I take the Red Line to Alewife, which is right next to work.
I have fun trying alternative methods. When getting in shape for a race this summer, I ran to work, and then showered there. Starting the day with physical activity makes me feel great! Sometimes I walk 20-25 minutes to Harvard Square and take the Red Line to work. This is nice, because I get to walk through scenic Harvard Square, see different surroundings and people. My favorite part is hearing different musical performers in the subway.
While I was recovering from a foot injury, I avoided excessive walking by finding other ways to get to work -- lke walking four blocks from my house, and taking the 83 bus, which runs to Rindge Ave, near work. Or I take the 87 bus, two blocks from home, to Porter and then Red Line. I have also tried taking the Red Line to Davis, and taking the 87 bus home.
I am excited to try biking to work, which will be a fun new perspective.
I only drive to work about twice times a month when the street I park on is cleaned, and I have to move my car.

Rob
Wyeth
Cambridge

Sisters dump the pump together

2007-08-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

I usually drive alone to work from Peabody to Cambridge, about 20 miles each way.

In July, my sister got a job working for the MIT Division of Comparative Medicine on Mass. Ave. Since she started working, we have been driving to and from work together three out of five days.

Serena
Genzyme Cambridge

Biking is a refreshing way to open and close the day

2007-08-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Four years ago I changed jobs -- from an Andover-to-Cambridge commute to an Andover-to-Andover commute. To celebrate the job change, I bought a 21-speed hybrid bike. From spring until fall, I average three days per week bike commuting the not-quite 6 miles from home to Wyeth. It is a great way to start and end a work day.

Richie
Wyeth
Andover

BLOGGER'S TIP: If you invested in some bike lights [$85-$100] you could bike on some of the warmer winter days. The lights will keep you safe/visible and in compliance with state law.

Dump bike eliminates the pump

2007-08-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

I drove alone into Cambridge for eight years until I started riding the MBTA commuter rail from Rockport to North Station, then connect to the Cambridge EZ Ride to my Cambridge office. I found this routine added a lot of travel time. Although I could do it in winter, it was going to drive me back to my car in summer.

To be an environmental steward, I tried to find a more efficient way from North Station to Cambridge. So I found a second hand bicycle at the Rockport dump, fixed it up, parked it at public racks in the city, and hoped it wouldn't be stolen or vandalized. I discovered that many people park bikes on city racks -- which are very safe.

My "dump" bike has been living at the North Station and Central Square bike racks since June and enabled me to use public transportation instead of my car. Because it's a relatively flat route between North Station and Cambridge/Allston, it's an easy ride and quicker than all other forms of transportation. I have gotten some exercise and my commute is only slightly longer then when I drove alone.

I will keep this up as long as the weather holds out, then I'll ride public transportation door-to-door, bring my bike home for some well-needed maintenance and get it ready for the city bike racks in spring.

A little creative thought can reduce a lot of energy consumption. I was driving 42 miles each way, 20,000 miles per year, using 700 gallons of gas) to commute to work. I now drive a little over 200 miles per year (about 7 gallons of gas) back and forth to the train station -- less than a half mile from my home -- and use public transportation and my bicycle.

Jim
Genzyme
Cambridge

BLOGGERS NOTE: Jim--why not Dump the Pump 100 percent: find another old bike to use to go the first half mile from home to commuter rail? Cold starts for trips of less than 5 miles are the MOST polluting.

This biker stays slim, he needs no gym

2007-08-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I ride my bike as often as I can.
18.8 miles is my workout.
My knees would hurt it if I ran.
Paying for gas makes me pout.
We all pay for a gym,
When the answer is clear--
Biking keeps you slim.
When you get home, you've earned a cheer.
The environment is dirty.
We can all do our part.
Riding a bike is easy at 50, 40 or 30.
Some call me silly, I know I am smart.
Dump the pump, don't be a chump.

Steve
Wyeth
Andover

Plenty to talk about when carpooling

2007-08-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

For years, I commuted to work by myself in my car. I am now carpooling with a co-worker and friend. We are having great time getting to know each other and making a difference with the environment by carpooling. We commute together four to five days a week a distance of 25-30 miles -- depending on the route we take. We will continue to carpool regularly until we run out of things to talk about, but because we are women, that probably won’t happen.

Pam
Genzyme
Framingham

Telecommuter from the Adirondacks Dumps the Pump

2007-08-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

In February, I left a job that required commuting from MetroWest to Cambridge, a roundtrip of 50-miles daily. I now work for Genzyme as a full-time telecommuter.

To add to this great change, I moved permanently to the beautiful Adirondacks, where my commute now involves climbing one flight of stairs to my home office.

I repeat this climb many times a day to let out my dogs, get a cup coffee, throw a load of laundry in, or go outside for a break. This is the perfect way to work, live, and to help the environment.

Barbara
Genzyme

Walking to work enables people-watching

2007-08-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

To commute, I adjust my iPOD, strap on my sneakers, and WALK to work about four days a week from home in Somerville to Genzyme in Allston -- about 1.5 miles.

The best thing is that I get to people watch all through Harvard Square and wave to the "walking man" before I take charge of the crosswalk. Once a week I treat myself to some coffee.

Frances
Genzyme
Allston

Five mile bike commute ideal to Dump the Pump

2007-08-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

I bike 5 miles to work one to two times per week until cold weather comes in.

Bob
Wyeth
Andover

BLOGGER'S NOTE: Ten miles or less one-way is considered an ideal bike commute. Keep up the good commute to work, Bob!

Carpooling provides time to decompress

2007-07-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

In July, I gave up driving alone from Stoneham and began carpooling 7.5 miles to Wyeth in Cambridge. I love it and because we can talk about things while going to and from work. We are more productive at work and already decompressed from the daily grind before we get home, which helps the home life as well. We both attend night school and try to coordinate our night classes so we can carpool as much as possible, typically three times a week.

I used to live in Southern New Hampshire before moving to Stoneham and starting to carpool. I used to drive 35 miles one-way. I now drive as many miles in a week as I used to in a day. This significantly cuts down on oil changes, which is another benefit, less oil to be disposed of, and saves money on car maintenance.

Laura
Wyeth
Cambridge

"Kym" and "Teresa" help Lisa dump the pump

2007-07-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

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