Read about Pauli on the Press Democrat's Cycling Blog.
Each year, as part of our celebration of National Bike Month, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition chooses a Bicycle Commuter of the Year. This person sets an inspiring example for would-be transportation riders by riding frequently to work, to school, the store, to social events, and by helping encourage others to try riding, as well.
One person who has long realized the many benefits of going by bike is Pauli Frey, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s 2012 Bike Commuter of the Year.
“I’ve always chosen to get around by bike,” says Pauli, who has – by choice -- not driven a car for 20 years. “When I first moved to California, I was already a bike commuter, but I had the opportunity to get a car. I chose not to. I don’t enjoy rush hour, and I feel environmentally it’s a better choice to ride a bike. I also save money, and for many trips I can get there in the same amount of time.”
Pauli lives in Santa Rosa and works as a one-on-one special education instructional assistant in Petaluma at McDowell Elementary School, and also works as a mechanic at Bicycle Czar in Santa Rosa. He bikes to both jobs every day.
Last year, Pauli spent one day a week mentoring a bike club at a school for at-risk teens. He and his friends donated bikes that the students could work on to learn valuable mechanical skills, and a few of the students actually built up their own bikes.
In addition, Pauli mentors Isaiah, an 11 year-old Team Swift bike racer (pictured).
“I really love being on a bike,” says Pauli. “I spend 10-12 hours on my days off on a bike. I just love it.”
Stay tuned for more details about Pauli, and join us in a round of applause as we congratulate him for being named Sonoma County Bicycle Commuter of the Year 2012!
