14 Years of Biking: The Journey, Challenges, and Advice from a Local Atlien – PART 1

In honor of Atlanta’s annual bike challenge kicking off, we wanted to share the personal experience of a Buckhead bike commuter to showcase the real (and perceived) benefits and barriers of choosing an active travel mode. From a local who has been biking around the City for over a decade, you’re sure to learn a piece or two of advice if you’re thinking about hopping on a bike yourself.

Motivation & Support

Glenn Kurtz is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with Legacy Parking. Glenn’s motivation to bike to work started 14 years ago when he had a small child and didn’t have much time left in the day to workout. He quickly realized that he would have to change some of his habits to fit this important activity into his day, so Glenn decided to incorporate exercise into his daily commute by biking to work.

Fun Fact: Bicycling has been proven to boost mood, energy level, and focus! 

At that time, Glenn was only 2 miles away from his office, an easy and smooth ride. More recently, Glenn accepted his current position – based in Buckhead – and now rides 20+ miles round trip on the days he bikes to work. Because of the longer commute, he cut down the days he bikes to usually two times a week. What may come as a surprise, however, is that Glenn’s current bike commute to Buckhead is 80+% ridden on separated bike lanes. By utilizing PATH400 and the Atlanta Beltline, Glenn is able to get from Grant Park to Buckhead on almost entirely multi-use trails! A long-time hurdle for Atlanta has been the lack of infrastructure that supports active commutes, but as you can see, positive change is taking place.

Glenn describes his bike commute as “at times peaceful, at times hilly, at times manic – always invigorating”. 

One reason Glenn continues to bike to work is because he is supported by his employer. Glenn receives a transportation stipend of $120 each month that he can use for any commute-related necessities, including bike parts, transit passes, or backup options like Uber and Lyft. Employers have a critical responsibility to provide support for how their employees get to work. Increasingly more important when requesting employees return to the office: commuter benefits like Glenn’s can not only improve recruitment and retention efforts but also create happier and healthier employees.

Glenn’s response to the benefits he found after switching from driving alone every day: “I get more exercise, I listen to more podcasts, I have more unplanned encounters.” Overall, Glenn attests that he is generally a happier person because of his active commute!

Check out PART 2 to learn about the challenges Glenn faces during his bike commute and his advice for overcoming them!