The Business School Bicyclist: Kris Becker
Graduate School of Business event coordinator Kris Becker hasn't always been a cyclist. For the first 13 years he worked at Stanford, he drove alone to campus. Since switching to a “Bike + Train” commute in 2008, he hasn't looked back.
"I think commuting sustainably is really about getting over the hump of starting a routine. Once your routine is established, biking is easy and enjoyable, and will save you a lot of stress."
When asked what he loves about his new commute, Kris can list off his top five reasons without missing a beat:
1. A Closer Connection to Nature
"People don't realize how much of an impact commuting has. For me, it's about 'biking the talk' of my environmentalism. Plus, I feel that I'm more attuned to the changing of the seasons, the phases of the moon, the flowering of the trees, the birdsong..."
2. Less Stress
“The two main things people in the Bay Area talk about are high rents and bad traffic. I find that the more I ride, the less stressful it feels to commute in the Bay Area.”
3. Exercise
"I would rather be moving than sitting in my car. I try to live an active lifestyle."
4. Flexibility
"Taking my bike gives me more options. When something beyond my control happens, such as a road closure or a train delay, I like to know I have an escape hatch. It’s an added bonus that it also frees my schedule for social events, such as seeing a friend or going to see a speaker.”
5. A Sense of Belonging
"It's really nice to have a community of travelers on the Caltrain bike car. People help each other."
As a nine-year member, Kris can't help but mention that Stanford's Commute Club rewards him for commuting sustainably. Programs like the free Caltrain Go Pass and Clean Air Cash save him a considerable amount of money, and the bike friendly aspects of campus, including bike cages, HIP classes, and bike lanes, facilitate a smooth ride each morning and evening.
Kris' final advice to new bikers: "It's all about the gear. My bike light lights up the world," he says. "And always wear your helmet! It's just as easy to put it on. I wear mine everywhere I go."
Join Kris Becker as he lights up the world–one commute trip at a time.