#green commuting

Assessment weeks are coming right up and it’s making me kind of anxious. I don’t have much time left after preparing exams, correcting them, meetings and every other detail that is involved in this process. I may take some time off blogging, but before that I want to share with you my loyal commuting companion! This scooter, the ONE NL 205 DELUXE made by Globber, is a 1 sec fold up scooter for adults that I got just a few days before being transferred (like it was meant to be!) and that deserves its own little space at the blog.

I am used to walk literally everywhere as everything is at walking distance where I live. There are a couple of reasons for this, the most important ones being environmental reasons and health benefits. However, I wanted to try a scooter as I had seen many people enjoy them around town. This is where Globber came into the spotlight. This model was particularly attractive to me because of its safety specs, including handbrake & bell with a high-reflective pole design. Also, its foldability was a great feature as there are some stairs in my usual routes. And I am not disappointed!

This scooter is easy to ride, adjustable to height, and very stable. From the first ride I was in love with the EVA padding, which is very grippy and kind of cushiony, blending in one material safety and comfort. The two clamps (one to secure the scooter in its folded and normal positions and another to disengage the handles) are secure but easy to open and close with little effort. I have found the self-standing mode really useful when commuting. Because of the sloppy nature of my hometown, the double braking system is probably the feature I would like to highlight the most. Though most of the times the rear brake was enough, it was always nice to have the second brake at hand - literally. And the cobalt blue colour is oh so pretty!

Now that I spend my weekdays at a coastal town, the ONE NL 205 is getting even more work done. I like how I can alternate between walking and scooting to put different muscle groups in motion. I particularly love to ride it along the smooth surface of the seafront promenade. I must admit the experience is much more enjoyable on flat surfaces like the promenade than it is on bumpy or very sloppy ones (for obvious reasons).

Before Your Ride:

Plan your route. The Guidance office is a great central location for riding. Bike paths lead to Marina Del Rey from the South Bay, the West Side and Culver City. Two good resources for mapping a bike ride are www.mapmyride.com and www.gmap-pedometer.com.

Check your bike. Do you have air in your tires? Is everything working properly? If you will be riding in the dark, are your lights working?

Do you have everything you need? Be sure to bring a bike lock if you are parking your bike outside! If you need a change of clothes, it will be easier if you pack them the night before. If you are using the shower here, don’t forget your towel. If you don’t have a helmet, pick one up tonight. Be sure to ride with a cell phone, money for emergencies, ID and an emergency contact.

On Your Ride:

Wear a helmet. A helmet is to riding a bike as a seatbelt is to riding in a car.

Watch for cars. While there are lots of bike paths in the area, you will be riding on the streets with cars in part. Do not assume that they see you, even if you have the right of way.

Watch for obstacles and slick streets. Tomorrow’s forecast is sunny, but the streets might still be wet, so ride carefully. Also keep an eye out for potholes and debris. If you are riding by parked cars, be extra careful for people opening their doors.

Wear comfortable clothing. The morning might be chilly, but you will warm up as you ride. Layers will help keep you as warm or cool as you need to be.

Enjoy your surroundings! You will notice a lot more on your bike ride than you do when driving into work. It’s spring and Ballona Creek is blooming! The ocean looks great from the strand, and there are lots of people out and about.