In trailer two, you’ll see many bicycles being wheeled down the hallway. These belong to five out of the eight teachers that have classrooms there: Mr. Chris, Mr. Mann, Ms. Maskelony, Mr. Jeff and Mr. Endo.
Biking is not only fun, but it has a lot of benefits to individuals and their environment. Morning exercise is shown to increase blood circulation, mood, energy, and focus. Biking is more cost efficient, with less money spent on gas. Vehicle emissions are a leading cause of climate change, and biking can help combat that issue.
Here are what some of the teachers have to say:
Ms. Maskelony
Why do you bike to school?
Right before we came back to school in 2021, I had seen a few folks on e-bikes easily conquering hills on the W&OD trail that had kept me off my bike, so I did a little research, found a great deal and bought my sweet little Rad Mini, a folding e-bike. It folds up enough to store under a desk. It has pretty wide tires, almost like a moped, which I like so it’s robust against all kinds of bumps and holes in the road or trail.
When did you start biking to school?
Right away in August of 2021. I hadn’t planned to ride it to work but once I tried it and saw how easy and fun it was, I was hooked. I live about four miles away and scoped out a few commuting options until I found some t
hat were comfortable for me. I ride a little bit on on-road bike lanes (just separated from traffic with a painted line), a little bit on neighborhood roads, and a little on bike trails.
Do you prefer biking over driving, and why?
I prefer biking because it’s a great way to start and end the day — fresh air, a little exercise, and a real sense for the community. It just feels much more up-close and in-person than driving, even over the same roads. It’s a wonderful way to clear your head and start the day fresh. It also reduces the will-I-get-parking stress we have due to our tiny lot and limited street parking. I just glide right up to the trailer.
What advice can you give to encourage more teachers and students to also start biking?
It’s easier and more relaxing than you think! Test out a few routes early on Sunday morning when there is little car traffic. Study the bike maps to find the easiest or most comfortable, pleasant route for you. Capital Bikeshare is free for students and teachers so you can try it out without even buying or storing a bike. There is a bikeshare rack right by our building and several more within a block or two, plus one at most Metro stations. If you are riding your personal bike, you can take your bike on Metro or use the rack on Metrobus if you live further away. It can help you!
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
I was the first person in Trailer Two to buy an ebike. Max Khutoryan who teaches ASL here looked at my bike and then bought an ebike of a different model. Jeff Elkner looked at my bike and then also bought a Rad! I am definitely the least likely person to be leading the e-bike revolution but here I am.
APS gives teachers about $20 a month to bike at least half-time. I don’t hit the target every month but even though the amount is small, eventually it will cover the cost of my bike!
Mr. Chris
Why do you bike to school?
When I started, it was because I didn’t have a car. I do have a car now, but I still bike almost every day. I think I mostly do it for the environmental impact – I try to avoid driving as much as I can. I also like the exercise (it really helps me wake up for our morning classes!) and the chance to interact with people I pass on the street.
When did you start biking to school?
This is my fourth year as a teacher – I’ve been biking the whole time, and before that I bike-commuted to my old job. I used to teach at Wakefield, which is at the top of a big hill. Biking to ACC is way more comfortable =)
Do you prefer biking over driving, and why?
It depends on the day. I usually like biking, but driving is certainly more comfortable when it’s cold or rainy. Most of the time, I really enjoy riding my bike. One under-appreciated benefit is the parking – we all know that parking in the neighborhood around ACC is a challenge, but I keep my bike inside my classroom. On days I bike, I usually get to my classroom about five minutes faster because I don’t need to spend time looking f
or parking.
What advice can you give to encourage more teachers and students to also start biking?
Start small – even if you only bike one day/week, or only on days with really nice weather, it still makes a difference! And do your research ahead of time to find a nice route. Biking on Columbia Pike, Walter Reed, and Glebe Road are not fun, but there are lots of quiet neighborhood streets around us. One nice resource to explore is “Happy Wheels”: https://ssafety.org/happy-wheels/ which curates nice, safe bike routes in Arlington. Their routes are all named after Sesame Street characters, and ACC is right at the intersection of “Grover” and “Von Count” =)
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
I sponsored a bike club (a partnership with Phoenix Bikes) here last year. They took the semester off, but hopefully it’ll start again in the new year. That club gives students their own bikes that they learn to repair and get to keep. I’d be excited to talk with anybody who is interested in a bike club or learning more about bikes! Also minor clarification – they aren’t all e-bikes! Ms. Maskelony and Mr. Elkner have electric bikes, the rest of u
s are riding regular old bikes (i like to call them ‘acoustic bikes’).
Mr Mann
Why do you bike to school?
I enjoy being outside and I find it’s a better experience for me mentally and physically than riding in a car. I tend to be in a much better mood when I bike, which is better for the kids. I also think it’s ultimately better for the environment than a car (although we just got an electric vehicle, that I carpool with my wife in when I don’t ride).
When did you start biking
to school?
I’ve been biking to school since I started working at APS in 2015. I biked to Swanson and Dorothy Hamm before coming to the Career Center.
Do you prefer biking over driving,
and why?
Yes, see #1. Plus, I ride from Crystal City and the downhill past the Air Force Memorial is a blast! If they ever finish Columbia Pike it will be even better.
What advice can you give to encourage more teachers and students to also start biking?
Try it on the weekend when you are not in a hurry. Arlington has many bike routes available and good maps, plus the apps on your phone ca
n now do bike routes. The shortest distance is not always the best route, so try alternative routes. It’s also way more fun to find others to ride with.
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
I rode my bike from the coast of Oregon to Annapolis in the summer of 2000. It was probably the best trip I ever did. You can smell and feel the differences as you ride across the country. I camped the whole way and visited lots of national
parks and caught up with friends.
Mr. Endo
Why do you bike to school?
Biking is a very sensory and conscious way to be environmental. I can get exercise and commute at the same time while not relying on fossil fuels. It wakes me up and puts me in touch with my surroundings. It is more scenic because I can bike straight through Glencarlyn Park. It is as fast as driving when you account for traffic, not going around the park, and looking for parking.
When did you start biking to school?
I remember riding on the back of my dad’s bike to go to preschool, so I guess the accurate answer to this question is since I was 3 years old. I picked it up again 20 years ago when my wife and I went from 2 cars to one.
Do you prefer biking over driving, and why?
I prefer biking because of the reasons mentioned in question 1. Plus, many of my students walk or take the bus and need to deal with the elements, so I try to bike even when it is cold or raining to commiserate.
What advice can you give to encourage more
teachers and students to also start biking?
If you are able, biking is a great way to save money, help the environment, and get exercise. Even using a bike share for part of your commute (from metro) can have great benefits. Or bike on some days. APS gives a commuter benefit if you do it at least 60% of the time. Just make sure your tires are properly inflated. It makes a huge difference on the hills.
Is there anything else you want readers to know?I bike to most places in Arlington on errands or seeing friends. If you get a bike rack and some cargo panniers, you can even bike to go shopping. You don’t have to like biking to do it. I actually don’t love biking (I prefer running or walking) but I do it because it makes sense for many reasons.
The teachers in trailer two have a multitude of reasons for biking to school. Some because of interest, and some for convenience. Biking is a great way to connect with your friends, and save money. Vehicles are very expensive, so taking the extra effort to bike saves a lot.
