John Metras is Associate Vice-President, Facilities at Infrastructure Development and leads the strategic direction of facilities on the UBC Vancouver campus.
How did you get into biking to work?
I first started biking to UBC as a student in 1990. It was nice exercise and a beautiful ride, either along the water or through leafy streets. It’s even better now with bike lanes.
What’s the most important tip you would you give to someone who is new to bike commuting?
Start by riding one or two days a week. Soon you’ll feel so good, you’ll want to ride more (see answer to Q3). It’s also important to have comfortable, waterproof, hi-visibility clothing...and a helmet!
What fuels you to bike?
Chocolate croissants (because I bike to work, I don’t care!) and that sweet feeling of carbon neutrality.
Multiple Choice: Which one of these is the most challenging for you? A) the hill B) the rain C) the sweat or D) the distance? E) other____
E) A strong head wind in the morning, combined with the hill. This is more annoying than challenging and fortunately rare; the wind, not the hill.
How do you conquer this challenge?
I use a lower gear, and think of chocolate croissants.
Join your colleagues on the road and register for Bike to Work (& School) Week now.