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Adam Lorant
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I wonder if Mayor Gregor Robertson has met Dunbar resident Adam Lorant? If not, I am sure that he would consider Lorant a model green citizen as he opts to cycle as frequently as possible. Lorant was once part of the commuter rat race, and drove daily to his workplace in Burnaby in a single passenger car, that is, until four years ago when a colleague talked to him about the merits of cycling to work.
Those conversations set the wheels in motion, and Lorant decided to hit the road and cycle to work.
Lorant discovered a beautiful bike route, which took him almost the whole way from Dunbar to Burnaby, with very few cars en route. Although his wife had concerns for his safety, Lorant discovered that it was very safe, quiet, and in the summer there were many other cyclists on the road. He started gently, by riding one day a week and eventually worked his way up to 3-4 days a week, riding admirably, rain or shine.
As much as we all love Vancouver, many of us have an aversion to the rain, which tends to dampen our enthusiasm to embrace the great outdoors. Lorant discovered that the rain is actually very pleasant to ride in although he advises cyclists to avoid the windy days and the freezing weather conditions.
Lorant started sensibly with a 50-minute door-to-door commute. As his fitness level improved, he played a game by testing his ability to shave time off the ride. He whittled it down to 45 minutes, then 40 minutes, and finally, if the traffic lights were in his favour, and he had the energy, he could arrive in an impressive 35 minutes.
Lorant discovered the added benefit of increased energy during his workday, and a bonus to his employer, his productivity shot up with his improved fitness.
He had the good fortune to have a shower at work, and kept a fresh change of clothes on hand.
Another fringe benefit, which we all can relate to with gas prices currently at $1.20 per litre, is he originally used a tank of gas every week or two. With more time on the bike, and less time in the car, a tank of gas would last for a month.
Not only did his pocketbook benefit but Lorant also felt like he was doing his part to reduce greenhouse gases.
Lorant’s commuting days are behind him, as he works from home now, however that does not mean his bicycle is rusting in the garage. He still cycles to meetings around town. Lorant also enjoys recreational rides to shorter destinations like UBC when he is strapped for time, or going on lengthier trips to Stanley Park and back.
Lorant challenges everyone to try commuting by bicycle one day a week, and then increase it two days and then three. He applauds the City of Vancouver’s plan to implement more bike lanes, including Dunbar’s new lane. The bike routes in Vancouver are outstanding. Use them. Cycling will change your life!
