I Love Riding in the City
NAME: Rich Collier
LOCATION: New York, NY
OCCUPATION: Television Producer
Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
I live in New York City so that’s not an easy question. Some days riding here is challenging and difficult... and ridiculously dangerous. Other times it’s cathartic and invigorating... and a religious experience. Over the years I’ve crashed, I’ve been caught in cloud bursts and snow storms, I’ve been ticketed and hasseled but I’ve never regretted choosing my bike over the subway or a cab. I really don’t think there’s a faster, more rewarding way to get around the island.
What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
I loved commuting by bike when I lived in West Hollywood back in the early ‘90s. After work I’d often ride up to the Griffith Observatory to decompress and take in the view, but too often the air pollution made my lungs ache and the view was obscured by a thick layer of smog that hung over the city like a filthy, old Brillo pad. New York City is my favorite city for riding, but I’d like to take Roll Play on the road this year and broaden my radius of experience a bit. If things continue to go well and the planets align I’ll be riding and shooting in cities all over the country and all over world this summer.
Why do you love riding in the city?
One of the reasons I like riding in the city is because I’m a bit of a control freak. New York City has a great public transportation system but I hate being at its mercy. There’s nothing worse than cooling your heels, waiting for a train or the bus when you could be on your bike getting there already. And sitting in city traffic with or without the meter running is pretty damn torturous. Tearing up the congested city streets is therapeutic for me. I’m relieving stress, I’m exercising and I am in the driver’s seat.
Check out rollplay.blogspot.com
