I Love Riding in the City
NAME: Steph Irwin
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
OCCUPATION: Student/Video Specialist
Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
I live in Philly where every time you clip in it’s a new adventure. I love to mash pavement here only because there are so many different areas of the city that offer a different biking experience. Whether I’m zipping around city hall or cruising down Kelly Drive, Philly offers cyclists an abundance of places to ride. It’s more exhilarating than any roller coaster I know and I get to do it daily.
What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
As much as I rep Philly I have to say I really enjoyed riding in San Jose CA. The city is teeming with bike culture and the bikers are in it for the long haul. Not only do they have winding trails that run throughout the city, but barren multiple lane highways that make group rides super fun.
Why do you love riding in the city?
My bicycle allows me to engage my city in a much more intimate manner than public transportation or a car. Riding in the city is more than just my means of transportation, it’s the best workout, community builder, stress reliever, money-saver, and past-time I know. So I guess I love it because it keeps me sane and on my toes. You can’t aimlessly float through day-to-day life if you are tucked into your drops with the wind in your face.
Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city… Poetry anyone?
Philadelphia has an immense amount of potential to develop a stronger bike community. I am so sick of feeling like a lone cyclist trying to make it in the fight against traffic when really it’s a fight we are all a part of. It shouldn’t matter if you are a commuter or messenger, we are all members of Philly’s bike community. So in an effort to cultivate said bike community I volunteer with any bike race I can get my hands on and also run a few bike events including Philly Naked Bike Ride and Philly Bike Party. Check us out if you’re down to ride!
Check out www.stephirwin.com
