Commuter of the Month: Michael Rosenthal

Occupation: Video producer
TA Member since: 1973, as a charter member.  I dropped out for a few years and re-joined in 1992.
How long have you been commuting by bike? More than thirty years, since January, 1966, during a transit strike.  After the first day, my legs collapsed under me when I got off the bike. I drank gallons of orange juice to regain my strength and by the end of the week I was beating the traffic.
What is your commute? Three and a half miles each way, from 73rd and West End Ave. to 21st Street and 6th Ave. I take Broadway down to 7th Ave. on the way to work and I go home up 8th Ave. I also ride to appointments with clients.
Why commute by bike? I could write a book about all of the reasons I ride to work.  Most importantly, I can avoid the subways and have the freedom to go whenever I want, whenever I want.  Riding is fun and it makes me feel good.
Bike: A Sears Free Spirit salvaged from a dump upstate three years ago.
Equipment: I have a blinking light on the back of my bike, a rear rack with a piece of cardboard stuck in it which serves as a mud flap, and I carry a Gerber tool to tighten things while on the road.  I use a Performance bike messenger bag as a briefcase and I always wear my helmet.  I tape over the holes in the winter for insulation.
Bikes Stolen: Three. One was stolen out of my apartment.
Reasons not to ride: When the temperature falls below 25 degrees out or when the streets are wet and icy.
Frustration: Pedestrians that run out from between parked cars, drivers who do not give a damn, and getting picked on by the police (I've gotten three tickets).
Worst commuting story: I was riding down 7th Ave. between 34th and 35th Streets when a guy on the sidewalk knocked me over as I rode by.  I would have fallen into oncoming traffic if a semi-truck had not been next to me.  I leaned into the truck and was able to keep my balance.  when I pulled over and looked back at the guy who shoved me, I decided not to retaliate when I saw his two large friends.  Best: When my son was in nursery school we would bike up West End Ave. from 73rd Street to 100th Street.  I would drop him off and ride down to work.  I also love commuting on any spring day.
Style: I ride in such a manner so that I am never perceived as a danger to anyone car or pedestrian.  I always give pedestrians the right of way.  I am a conservative cyclist.

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