Our January Bike Hero has the formula for stress-free commuting!

BikeDenver is pleased to introduce Doris Kimbrough, a chemistry professor at University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Kimbrough has a surefire formula for keeping fit, saving cash, and avoiding traffic congestion—and it doesn’t come from a beaker; it comes from a bike!

Kimbrough rides to campus more often than not, and says that Denver’s abundance of sunny, dry days and well-maintained bike paths make her commute a snap. But even on not-so-nice days, she appreciates that “the Denver Parks and Rec Department does a terrific job of keeping those bike paths clear of ice, snow, and mud.” Further simplifying her commute, Kimbrough’s bike is equipped with saddlebags for hauling books, lunch, purse, computer, etc., and she also carries a rain suit in case the weather gets dicey during the day.

Dr. Kimbrough says she enjoys biking to work because it’s healthy and green, and she doesn’t have to pay to park. She also notes, “I am far more alert and ready to work on the days that I ride than those I don’t, and it takes about the same amount of time to ride as it does to drive, park, and walk to the office.” Fortunately, you don’t need to be a chemist to appreciate this near-perfect transportation solution, and we “solute” Dr. Kimbrough for showing us how simple it really is!

*****

Bike Hero of the Month Awards highlight different people each month, and help encourage other people to bike by telling the Hero’s personal story. The goal of the Bike Hero Awards Program is to showcase the diversity of citizen-cyclists and the people who support them in Denver.

BikeDenver’s Executive Director Piep van Heuven says: “We introduced the Bike Hero awards because we want to encourage a friendly environment for and public image of bicyclists in Denver. One of the ways we can do this is to showcase the different faces of and great stories about people in our community, like Doris Kimbrough, who ride bikes or help others get out there and ride. Through the Bike Hero awards, BikeDenver honors bicyclists of all ages and walks of life, from the first time bicyclist to the rain-or-shine bicyclist!  We all know people (our neighbors, co-workers, family members or community leaders) who inspire us to reach for the handlebars instead of the car keys. Take a moment to look around you and help BikeDenver recognize the people in our community who are making a difference for Denver, one ride at a time!”