Celebrity Commuter of the Month: Michael Musto

Age: Between 30 and death
Occupation: Journalist
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Number of Years Riding? 20
Your commute? I live a mile from work and generally take Lexington and then 3rd Avenue down to Cooper Square. There are no real trouble areas - it's all bliss.
What kind of bike do you have? An indescribable one-speed mess designed by Emey's Bike Shop in order not to be stolen. It was thrown together out of ragged but usable parts. It's the Frankenstein monster of vehicles.
Where do you park? I chain it to the same pole every day. This way I never forget where I left it.
Best things about biking in NYC? You never get stuck in traffic. There is a sense of constant progress. And you feel everything in town is attainable. Plus, it's the only damned exercise I get. I also enjoy riding around Central Park, which is like the country but within the grasp of civilization.
Worst things? Potholes, thieves, bike riders who cut you off, and drivers who feel you're invisible.
Ever had a bike stolen? No. I've had five bikes stolen.
Get any good gossip or spot celebrities in compromising positions while bicycling? I've learned that whenever I swivel my head to see something, I crash, so I've stopped looking for gossip - though I have perfected the art of taking notes while riding.
Do you take your bike to premiere parties or gala events? I've gone to tons of black-tie premieres on my shabby, dingy bike. It adds to my sense of mystery and endearing contradiction.
What kind of reception do you get? People think it's cute, and most of them admire my chutzpah and lack of pretension. I love it because it's fast, enjoyable, and there's no driver to tip.
You can be rather candid in your Village Voice column. How do you react to speeding automobiles? I hate reckless drivers who think nothing of risking your life. But they usually take off too fast for any heated argument to occur. And I never think of the really good bon mots - like "Asshole!" - until afterwards.
Know any other celebs who ride? New York Times' photographer Bill Cunningham rides everywhere, and I recently saw Cabaret's Alan Cumming tooling around outside my house.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you while riding? Once, my front wheel came off while I was riding. I skidded for a while, pushed along by a van right behind me. It was hilarious - and terrifying.
Any other accidents? Someone clipped my brakes while my bike was locked to a pole. Later, when I started riding it, the brakes fell into the spokes and I went flying. It was the most near-death experience I've ever had.
Your Tips? Be courteous to other bike riders. Follow the same rules you would as if driving a car - stop at red lights, don't ride on sidewalks, don't go against traffic. This is a handy way to protect ourselves - and each other. And please don't laugh at my bike.

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