Follow the Spokes
Written by: | 2 Sep 2008
It’s amazing how many bicyclists you notice when you set out to photograph them. It made me start to wonder what motivates these people to really get their legs moving. The only problem proved to be catching up with them!
When I was able to stop a few determined folks, I found that every person I spoke with had his own unique reasons for hopping on a bike; aside from the obvious, such as soaring fuel prices and exercise.
Shawna Yaussi
I found Ward White (not pictured), a Prescott resident of 13 years, on Washington Street near downtown. He was on his way to the top of Mt. Union at 3 p.m. that day. When asked how long he’s been riding and why, he said simply, “I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive kiddo.” And that mountain biking is his “medication.” A true mountain biker, he also stated that he believes Prescott is far too dangerous for road biking due to its growth over the time that he has lived here.
In contrast to Mr. White, Shawna Yaussi, a current Prescott College student, uses her bike as her main mode of transportation around town. She has a car but prefers to ride because biking leads to, “less fossil fuel consumption.” In fact, she has had the same tank of gas since May.
Paul Katan, the Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator for PAT (Prescott Alternative Transportation) is also motivated to bike around town. He can often be seen riding next to his childhood friend David Driscoll, with whom he has been riding since they were 7 years old. Katan’s main reasons for road biking are that he has loved to bike all of his life and because he gets, “exercise while reducing traffic and pollution.”
Driscoll’s main motivation for cruising the streets is simply that it is a quicker way than walking.
Katan and Driscoll provide quite a humorous contrast to one another when seen together on their bikes. Driscoll wears a panama hat, while Katan is decked out in biking shoes and helmet.
They are a great testament to the fact that no matter how you dress or what kind of bike you ride, it is a simple way to get around this town on two wheels.
Plus, all you need is some trust in your muscle strength and you will be saving resources and money.
If you are interested in taking up cycling contact PAT on their website: www.prescottbikeped.org or by phone at (928)-708-0991.
My 10-year old bikes 4 miles to school in prescott 2-3 times a week. He loves the freedom it affords. Leaves for school early!! I do worry about him out there, but, after all, I started him down that road.
So where are nice places to bike around in Prescott?
I like the Peavine Trail alot. It is off of Sundog Ranch Road across from the Humane Society. Parking is still free. It is very well maintained and goes all the way to PV.
Good Luck!
I just picked up a brochure from Prescott City Hall on Cortez across from the post office. It’s called the Bicycling Opportunities Map, and it has a bunch of information on some great trails in the Prescott area. It was in a brochure holder in the planning and zoning area of the building. It’s definitely worth checking out!
To those of you in cars and trucks; With more people on bikes, vespas, motorcycles and of course walking…Please use extra caution and pay closer attention to them!
Last May when the gas prices soared, I was looking for a way to save money. I live in Prescott Valley and work at Yavapai College. I had a bike but was no way going to ride on Highway 69 or 89. Somebody told me that the Iron King Trail in Prescott Valley hooks up with the Peavine Trail in Prescott…That was my answer. I could ride my bike to work using the trails. From the Peavine Trailhead, I follow Sundog Ranch road to 89 and I ride on 89 for about a half a mile and turn into the VA and through to YC. The trails are in great condition and are fairly flat. It takes me about an hour to get to work (approximately 11 miles). I highly recommend those trails.
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