“I have been biking to work on and off since I was 14 years old, but it became a consistent commitment about six years ago. Now, biking is my preferred way to commute five days a week.

There are so many things I enjoy about biking to work. I get to spend more time outside, breeze past cars stuck in traffic, and arrive at work feeling energized and awake. The breathtaking view of the mountains as I come out onto Mario Capecchi Drive every morning is a bonus.

Most importantly, biking is an easy way to incorporate movement into my day. Rather than separating exercise and commuting, I find it efficient to combine the two. This frees up time for hobbies and family. Biking around campus also saves time—it’s a quicker and easier way to get around.

The benefits extend beyond me. I appreciate knowing that I’m contributing less to climate change and reducing pollution in the Salt Lake Valley. The U’s Clear the Air Challenge is a chance for our community to come together and improve air quality, showing the positive impact we can make on our environment and ourselves.

Several factors have helped make biking a daily reality for me. First, having waterproof panniers has been essential. I pack them the night before, ensuring I have appropriate shoes, and if needed rain gear and waterproof gloves. This planning helps remove early-morning obstacles. Plus, not having a parking pass holds me accountable.

I switched to an e-bike during COVID, and though I was initially skeptical, I quickly realized how much it expanded my range. I still bike just as often, but I can access more areas, which removes more barriers to my biking routine. Since my family is now down to one car, the cost of gear to support my biking habit is more than justified.

The U Clear the Air Challenge is a great opportunity to try something new—whether it’s planning a bike day, riding Trax, or carpooling with a colleague. You can back-log trips and participate through November 15th, and if you log 20 trips, faculty and staff can qualify for a WellU activity credit.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing—small steps can lead to a healthier, more sustainable future. When my kids were little, we did ‘drive and walk’—parking part of the way from school and walking the rest. Over time, we parked further until they could walk the whole way. Change happens in manageable steps.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate movement and make your commute more sustainable. I’ll see you out there.”

— Chief Wellness Officer, Amy B. Locke, MD, FAAFP