Commuter of the Month: Mark Consani

Age: 33
Occupation: Supervising librarian for the New York Public Libraries
T.A. member since? 1991. I've since been involved in the Bronx chapter, helping mark the Century route, participating in parks clean-ups, and distributing T.A. magazine to all Bronx library branches.
How long commuting by bike? In the second grade, around Riverdale. I've since expanded my riding to around Riverdale. I've since expanded my riding territory. During the transit strike in 1980, I rode my bike to high school, and in the past seven years I've commuted regularly to school and work.
Why commute by bike? I get a real kick out of biking to work. I drink less coffee because riding brings out a natural perkiness.
What's your commute? Eight and a half miles each way, from Riverdale Avenue in southwest Yonkers to 125th and Amsterdam in Harlem. I go down Broadway, over the Broadway Bridge, then follow the Century route down Riverside Drive. I like to ride back along the St. Nicholas bike lane to diversify my ride and to minimize the hills.
Equipment: I ride a Miyata hybrid, with front and rear lights, a side-view mirror, and a rear rack with panniers. I wear bike clothes (shorts, shoes and jersey) and change at work. Bike parking: I put my bike inside a locked utility room at the library, so I don't have to worry about bike locks. Of course, I allow all visitors to the library to bring their bikes inside and store them in an out-of-the-way place.
Bikes stolen? I had one stolen from another work location, from inside an auditorium where my bike was unlocked. Unfortunately, it was an inside job.
Reasons not to ride? If I'm too sick, or the bike needs repair, or I have meetings downtown and the subway is more convenient. Also, I don't ride in downpours or on icy roads.
Worst commuting story: I braked hard to avoid hitting two girls who ran out from behind an elevated subway girder, and I flew over my handlebars and landed on my head and shoulder. Then my bike hit me. Luckily, I escaped without any fractures.
Best: Last July, I set a commuting record: 36 minutes and 43 seconds. I was in good shape, my bike was in good shape, and I had no problems with traffic. Perfect.
Frustrations? Buses and taxis have very little respect for cyclists and are forever cutting me off to get a ride. I also hate cars that double-park in the bike lane.
Style: I've grown more conservative in my riding as I've gotten older. I used to be more aggressive, more carefree. I don't know if it's a function of age - maybe it's a 30's thing - or maturity or being married. My health and safety involves others now.

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