I am a Commuter Cyclist: Dionne Lapointe-Bakota
Name: Dionne Lapointe-Bakota
Age: 35
Profession: Teacher
Years in Campbell River: Two
Interesting Facts: While completing my teaching internship in New Zealand I went on a solo bike tour of the north island. There were a lot of hills!
Do you bike to work everyday?: In the last year and a half I have gone from casual cyclist to daily year-round commuter. The big change occurred when I moved to Campbell River. Coming from the prairies where there are only about six months without snow and cold it was a dream to be able to ride all year. I now ride to the local middle school where I teach every day, rain or shine. Three days a week that also involves taking my three-year-old to daycare in the bike trailer. It’s become an integral and happily anticipated part of my work day.
Why do you ride your bike to work?: I love that through my own strength and relatively simple technology I can get where I need to go without impacting others or the environment adversely. It also keeps me healthy, happy and connected to my community. As a teacher and a mother of two children I also think it is important to role-model a different way of doing things for the next generation.
Describe your commute: I’m convinced I have the most beautiful bicycle commute of anyone in Canada. I follow right along the old island highway for most of my twenty minute ride. Bald eagles, seals, and great blue herons are common sights on my way to work. I’ve seen everything from beautiful sunrises over the coastal mountains to crazy winter storms where the sea water is actually splashing me as I ride. It makes me feel alive and connected to the natural world right outside my doorstep. I arrive at work alert and energized, ready to start my day.
Essential Gear: Riding year round on the west coast you need good rain gear. I’ve invested in a few key pieces that I now couldn’t imagine living without. These include a pair of waterproof booties I can slip over my shoes, a water-proof breathable cycling jacket, cycling tights and waterproof balaclava for cool winter mornings. I also love my fenders, saddle bags and Chariot bike trailer.
Advice for new commuter cyclists: It may seem daunting to some people to commute by bike, but most challenges can be overcome with a little planning and some simple gear. I would encourage people to try one day a week to start and see how they like it. They might be surprised how they get hooked.
Dionne Lapointe-Bakota
