Dr. John Havens is pleased to see so many local residents riding their bicycles to work.
And he’s proud to be one of them.
Beginning about 20 years ago, when he was 55 years old, Havens and his wife discussed having two cars and how environmentally irresponsible that was.
“So we got rid of one and that meant I had the opportunity to bike to and from work,” he said.
“From our home on the north end of Dragon Lake to the hospital is about 10 km.”
Havens, at one time, also made house calls on his bike and said many of his patients said seeing him on his bike was inspirational.
“But I don’t think they necessarily followed my lead,” he said with grin.
“I don’t think we should be driving cars when there’s such an opportunity to bike in this community.
“We make excuses to use the car.”
Havens bikes to work, April through October, after a nasty fall in winter conditions.
He sees the fitness benefits as the most rewarding and a close second is the benefit to the environment.
He especially enjoys the addition of the Bryce Trails which allows him to enjoy a relaxed and scenic bike to the hospital without spending any time on the highway.
However, he said Dragon Lake hill has never got any easier in all the years he’s pedalled to work.
Havens is one of several local people nominated in the Commuter Challenge 2011.
The challenge is to nominate someone you know who rides their bike, walks, runs or in any way gets to work, school or around town under their own steam regardless of the weather.
The challenge is sponsored by Baker Creek Enhancement Society and the Quesnel Climate Action Group who will vote on who the best commuters are on Clean Air Day, June 8 and prizes will be awarded.
