Name: Debbie Cole

I’ve been riding since:  I learned to ride when I was 11 or 12 years old. I’ve commuted by bike to school and/or work since 1992.

About my bike:  In the late 90′s, my husband found us a pair of matching Trek mountain bikes for sale at a local bike shop in Tucson. It’s still the bike I ride most, loaded with an Arkel backpack and briefcase. I also love riding our yellow Schwinn Twinn and our Batavus Intercycle Dutch bike.

Places I go on my bike:  Mostly, I commute between home and UTPA. It’s only a 10-15 minute ride…but I don’t have to worry about finding parking, and I feel so zen when I arrive. I also go grocery shopping and do other errands with my family by bike.

Why I ride:  I ride because it feels good – because it’s great to be outside and feel the wind and smell the air, because my body is grateful every time I make it get me where I’m going on its own energy, and because I see people, creatures, and places I wouldn’t see if I was in my car.