Name: David Peterson

Age: 41

Occupation: Database Analyst / Developer

Neighborhood: Kingfield

Have you always gotten around town by bike? Tell us why and how you got started.

Ever since moving to Minneapolis I’ve made a pretty significant effort to bike or use mass transit whenever possible. About three years ago my wife and I sold our second car and since then I’ve been biking and busing just about everywhere (since she uses the car). Before moving to Minneapolis we lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. My bicycle commute there was a bit more adventurous and included trips over the Brooklyn Bridge and a few miles on a dedicated path along the east river.

Rumor has it you own a large cargo bike. For those of us who don’t know quite what that means, could you explain what it looks like?

My cargo bike is just an old commuter bike with an extension bolted onto the back that allows me to carry a bunch of extra stuff. The extension is intentionally built so as to carry the load low which helps to keep the bike stable when loaded up. An increasing number of bike manufacturers build cargo bikes from the ground up, including Surly, Trek, Kona and Yuba. I put my bike together myself from a do-it-yourself kit called the “free radical” which I bought from a company called xtracycle.

What do you primarily use your bike for: business or pleasure?

I use my cargo bike primarily for trips to the grocery store, farmers markets, day trips around the city and just about anytime I might need to haul around some stuff. The bags on my bike fit four grocery bags pretty easily and I fill them up all the time. I usually take a different bike for regular weekday commuting. I have an old mountain bike with added fenders and a rack that I don’t have to worry too much about. Plus it easily fits on the train.

Are there any added bonuses you’ve noticed by a biking commute?

I think the best thing about biking instead of driving around town is the emotional benefit. I just feel so much more relaxed when I am on my bike than when I am sitting in traffic. I mean, biking is fun – who wouldn’t rather ride around on their bike than sitting alone in their car?

What would you share with those who enjoy biking recreationally, but are unsure about using a bike as their main source of transportation?

I would suggest starting with just small trips. Start with biking to breakfast or lunch on the weekend. Or to the farmers market. And if you are really serious about replacing the use of a car then invest in a bike and equipment that will allow you to do it right. For just a few car payments you could set yourself up with a bike that will last for years. Get some good lights, a nice rack and bags, maybe even upgrade your pedals and shoes.