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In Case of Strike, A Few Tips for a Chilly
Commute
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| New York sun, December 15, 2005 By Daniela Gerson As the city's residents contemplate the prospect of a transit strike and the possibility that they're in for a frigid commute, some hardy souls foresee business as usual. "I think it's going to be awesome," a veteran bicycle messenger better known as "Squid" or the "Messenger General," Kevin Bolger, said. "I'm going to be passing by all these people getting on bikes." The city's contingency plan for a strike includes special traffic lanes for bicycles. Maps are available outlining the existing 200 miles of lanes and paths. Special parking will be provided at city buildings, and private employers are being encouraged to do the same. Despite the cold, winter is a great time to be on a bike, Mr. Bolger said. "The air is cleaner. In the summertime, it's heavy with all the exhaust, and in the wintertime, it doesn't stick around," he said after a day's work delivering packages. The Christmas season is particularly enjoyable to observe in New York from the perch of a two-seater, he said. Still, subzero biking might not be for everyone, he admitted, adding, "It's a little bit cold this time of year to expect people to get on their bikes." To keep warm, Mr. Bolger, who has spent 13 years on New York City streets, covers his toes with two pair of socks, neoprene and wool, and then Gore-Tex sneakers. "Keep your feet and your hands and your neck area warm: That's pretty much the basics," he said. "When I do get home and get my feet warm, I enjoy that. It really makes you appreciate the things you take for granted." There is also a financial kickback for working frigid days: Fewer messengers are out, companies are more likely to ask for a delivery, and at holiday time there is an increase in packages. Mr. Bolger's dispatcher at N.Y. Minute Messenger and Trucking, Fernando Rivera (aka "Kid Ill from the Bronx") said not everyone is as lackadaisical about battling cars in freezing temperatures. One messenger called in yesterday to say he would not be back until summer. A former messenger, Mr. Rivera recommends that cyclists "just keep it moving. Try to psychologically block out the extreme weather. Sometimes when it rains and it's below 29-degree weather, that's critical. That's when you really need a good rain suit that keeps the water out for like eight hours - which nothing does." When he worked as a messenger, Mr. Rivera said he would not even stop to eat on cold days. In his bag, he would carry an oat bran muffin, Tiger chocolate bar, apple, and banana to snack on while he rode. If there is a strike, Mr. Rivera, who now takes the train to work, said he is ready to take out his bike. "It's a good thing I kept all my gear," he said. |
