Biking to work the norm for several Ottumwans

By MATT MILNER Courier staff writer

May 10, 2008 12:39 am

— OTTUMWA — How much money have you spent on gas so far this year?
It’s probably more than last year. And there’s a good chance most people would simply say, “Too much.”
But Josh Gettings has spent less this year. A lot less. He wants to see if it’s possible to go a year without using his car, and so far he’s been able to do it.
The one-year goal is a target, not a personal requirement.
“It’s what I’m telling myself. I just want to see how much I can I go without using my vehicle,” he said. “If I don’t need to, then I would rather choose not to use the vehicle.”
Gettings admits it’s easier in some respects for him to switch gears from a car to a bike than it would be for many people. He lives above his store in downtown Ottumwa. And the fact that the store is a bike shop also helps.
Fine, but that doesn’t explain Gary Landgrebe. He bikes to work at Messerschmitt Ice every day.
“I started about four years ago, probably,” Landgrebe said. “I’ve never thought about giving it up. Its gotten easier as I’ve gone along.”
Landgrebe started biking because he didn’t have a driver’s license. He figured biking was a way to keep out of trouble and save some money. He’s still at it.
Biking to work has some clear advantages. It’s healthier. You don’t pay for gas. You get fresh air. But you also get whatever is in the air. When rain or snow hit the area, they hit you as well.
Landgrebe gets around those obstacles with planning and an extra layer of clothing.
“I’ve got a rain suit, a rain jacket and rain pants,” he said.
National Bike to Work Week kicks off today and culminates with National Bike to Work Day next Friday. Gettings is taking part both with his attempt to stay out from behind the wheel and as host of an “energizer station” available for bike commuters on Friday. The stations will be open from 6:30-9:30 a.m. for bikers to stop and get some snacks and a drink before getting into work. The Wapello County Trails Council is sponsoring four stations, with the others at the YMCA, Herberger’s and John Deere.
Other local events include Tips for Trails on Friday night and a Saturday mediathon at Bridge View Center.
Gettings said bicycle commuters do have to think a little bit differently than their motorized colleagues.
“You have to, first, find a safe, cycle-friendly route,” Gettings said.
Bikes and cars are an unfair fight, so bikers may need to consider staying off the main roads. The major streets might be the most direct route, but they often have side streets that run on a parallel track. Bikers are safer on the side streets without going out of their way.
There are also avenues open to bikers that drivers simply can’t use. The trails system cuts through Ottumwa near the Des Moines River, and it’s open only to cyclists and pedestrians.
The forecasts for next week aren’t too bad, by the way. Maybe Landgrebe will be able to get by without the rain suit.
Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com

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