Commuter of the Month: Ellen Fader

By Shane Neuringer

Occupation: Advertising Executive.
Age: 43
Commute: About two miles each way. From East 74th Street and 2nd Ave into Central Park to 55th and 6th Ave. "It's phenomenal, my little piece of country in the city. In the spring, it's great to smell the different things that are blooming."
For how long: 15 years.
Why: I used to walk when I worked closer to where I live. Then I got a job that was further and walking took too long. I saw people roller skating--they didn't have Rollerblades back then--and I said, "Wheels, now that's a good idea." When I started biking, I was addicted.
Best thing about bike commuting? Instead of being aggravated because I'm in a crowded subway or a stalled cab, my ride home becomes a restful, unwinding time of day. I do my best and most creative thinking on the bicycle. It's a real chill out time for me, like meditating. When I get out of work and get on the bicycle it's like being able to breathe again.
Most frustrating? Very often cabs don't pull all the way over to the curb and the passenger will just fling the car door open without looking. It drives me crazy.
Commuting bike: A Rollfast clunker, about 20 years old. It's my third one. I started out with a Schwinn that got stolen. I buy whatever I can get second hand at yard sales.
Clothes: Whatever I wear to work. If it's raining I wear a big rain slicker and a nor'easter Cape Cod hat.
Seasons: All year 'round. Rain or shine. The only thing that stops me is snow. If there's more than a half inch, I don't chance it.
Recreational riding: Either all around town or upstate in the "Gunks."
Safety precautions: I wear a helmet. It's easy to space out and just enjoy riding, but I try to concentrate on the traffic and obey the traffic rules. I try not to hot dog and weave in and out. It's not worth it. Bicycling is such a pleasure that it's not worth taking my life into my own hands by being stupid.
Lock: Now I'm up to the Club. I've had bikes stolen with Kryptonite and chain link locks that weigh more than I do. So far I've made it a year with the Club.
Parking: Next door to the office at a health club's outdoor rack.
Worst commuting story: Being grabbed by a cabbie. He reached out the window and went to grab for me and damn near knocked me off my bicycle.
What would make NYC cycling safer? Enforce the traffic laws. Stop double-parking and get drivers when they jump red lights. The city needs to send a signal that it's not okay to disobey the law in this town.

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