Bicycle-Related Careers

Ever thought about a career that relates to bicycles, but don't know where to look or get started? Some jobs require a college degree or post-graduate education while others are more about having "handy" technical skills. There are many different ways to make a living supporting bicycle riding in your local community! The list below contains just some of the different bike-related jobs people hold.

Bicycle Mechanic.  Love taking things apart...and then (successfully) putting them back together? A good bike mechanic is critical to have in the local community - and more than one! Having a couple of reliable places to get your bi-annual tune-up or to get work done can be a huge asset. If you enjoy making a fine-tuned machines whirl, consider this growing field.

Bike mechanic at work.

Sales Associate.  Enjoy working with people and helping them find what they need? Then working at a bike shop or speciality store may be for you. Everyone likes a honest, straight-forward salesperson, and working to help someone find their ideal bike can be life-changing experience. People are looking for that bicycle that will fit their riding needs, habits and aspirations. Being the person that can identify the bicycle that is the"right fit" for someone else is empowering someone to have fun, be independent and engage in a healthy lifestyle.

Bicycle Designer.  For those who are like to draw, create or fabricate, consider a career in designing bicycles. Bikes today range from the mundane and manufactured to the wild and wonderful. Some folks are looking for a unique ride that fits their needs or has them standing out in a crowd. Also consider that some people will pay big bucks to have a taylor-made bike. Developing a signature style and well-made product is a realistic, lucrative, growing field.

Urban/Bicycle Planner.  As a "big-picture" thinker, planners are charged with consider the opportunities, challenges, issues and threats as they work on master plans that are the living document that guides future decisions and developments. By bringing stakeholders together, engaging the public, maneuvering within (or dodging around) the politics of a community and (perhaps most importantly) reviewing and analyzing the data, big plans are created to inspire communities to make dreams a reality. The development of a bikeway network that includes a linked system of bike lanes, shared roadways, cycle tracks and paths more than likely came from a community master bike, pedestrian or recreation plan. (Bikeway developments in Easley, Greenville, Rock Hill and Clemson University are a result of master plans.) As a planner, I enjoy bringing people together to address an identified need to problem-solve. If these kinds of thing sound interesting, consider a career in planning.

Planners and Landscape Architects at work.

Landscape Architect.  Another outlet for the creative type is a career in landscape architecture. Taking the ideas of the plan, landscape architects give shape, form and unique characteristics to specific locations identified in master planning documents. Is there a particular park that you just love, a public space or maybe a path that speaks to you? These places didn't just happen, but were the result of a designer's tireless efforts. Planners and Landscape Architects generally work together - the yin and yang, many times - of bikeway planning.

Civil or Traffic Engineer.  Interested in the technical "nuts and bolts" of road or bikeway design speculations? Want to make great networks come to life by focusing on the technical details? If you are a data driven, mathematical mind-ed individual, a career in civil engineering might be for you. While the planners take a look at the big picture and the landscape architects design the areas to create inviting, special places, "civies" as they are also known work on making the plans pop to life, making the jump from idea to specifics. Detail-oriented, engineers are taught the specifics on transportation (aka road, bike and pathway) network design. Working for consulting firms or State Departments of Transportation, having a strong knowledge base in bikeway development is important for an engineer to support the evolving needs of society's transportation culture.

Restaurant Owner/Grocery Store/Small Business.  Opening up a restaurant, grocery store or other small businesses near a bike path or along a bike route will surely get some pedal traffic. Setting up a few tables and chairs outside along with adding bike racks near-by will encourage a bike-friendly ambience. Specialize is merchandise that's easy to carry on a bike. Entice bike-traffic by joining Bicycle Benefits. Advertise with local bike-clubs or a bike shops or organize a bike ride where your business is a destination, and the potential for steady clientele is highly likely.

This list is meant to be just a sampling of bicycle-related careers, but it should give you a good idea on some different avenues to explore. For more information on any of these fields consider reaching out to a local professional in one of these fields for more information. (For any potential planners out there, I'd love to answer any questions you may have!)

Bicycles & A Brief Visit to Charleston

A while back we took a trip along the South Carolina coast. The vacation included a (very!) short visit to Charleston and a longer stay outside of Beaufort near Hunting Island. Vacation time means a chance to get out, explore new places and see new sights. And, of course, take note of the way that folks in other places are using bicycles in their every day lives.
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Chik-fil-A's savy advertising in the streets of Charleston.

Charleston is an officially recognized Bicycle Friendly Community. Though at the bronze level, the city has laid a foundation for bicycle-friendly amenities, there are still some improvements to make. A debate over the Ravenel Bridge being opened, then closed, then reopened to bicycles was a hotly contested issue in the low-country. In a city that's older than our nation, sometimes changes takes a while. However, it appears, though, that bicycles have become part of the city landscape.  

Biking in the Palmetto State

In Charleston we got out of the car and ventured out to see some common sites like the Central Market, Waterfront Park and famous churches and buildings. Along the way, I noted a few bicycle happenings. When we were trying to find a place to park, I noticed that bikes were also encouraged to park in the same area.

Waterfront Park, Charleston

Shared parking lot for cars & bicyles in Charleston

Charleston has narrow streets. In an area where there's a lot of people moving by foot, it was interesting to me to see that those on two wheels were also encouraged to park in a lot, getting off of two wheels and on to two feet. Tucking the bike racks in the parking lot seemed like an intuitive idea for a place where space is at a premium.

As we strolled along the city streets, nearing Waterfront Park, a hotel had a flight of inviting bicycles outside its front door. An alternative to driving and faster than walking, it seemed to fit the laid-back, slower pace of Charleston. Not to mention they looked cool and comfortable. No need for spandex here!

Curb-side service in Charleston

Seeing people on bikes was fairly common - old, young, black, white, men, women, young adults. Bike riding appeared to be a real alternative way of moving around the historic city for tourists and locals. It was nice to see a city that has been around for hundreds of years has been adapting to movement on two wheels.

Spending an afternoon in Charleston, I hope to be back for an extended stay in the near future. Heading off down the coast to Beaufort under the setting sun, we were excited for what other things we'd find on our vacation. Stay tuned to a future post about Bicycles & A Visit to Beaufort.

Riding off into the sunset

Bike Lane on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I recently read a print article in a local outdoor magazine that posted a question about having bike lanes installed on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I thought it was an interesting debate - one worth thinking about - so ventured to the on-line story. Skimming through the comments, I found the back and forth over whether or not to have specific bikeway or shared roadway for cyclists an interesting peak into the changing culture of the country and region.

Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway was designed to allow folks to take in the majestic, rolling landscape from the comfort of their automobile. The tight turns, breathtaking views and narrow road are designed to have folks take it easy. A ride down this national treasure is a much different experience than driving some other regional highways like 85, 40 and 77. Here the road was designed to help people relax, slow down and enjoy the ride.

So, since we are expanding the idea of  what"enjoying the ride" means as a society to include the idea of hopping on bike instead of just getting behind the wheel, why should the Parkway be changed to include bike lanes?  

Reasons in favor of bike lanes:  Providing enhancement (like bike lanes, bike path, bike racks, etc.) will make the route more appealing to those on bikes, which can mean an economic boom to communities near the route and the National Park Service, slowing traffic would enhance safety for all.

Reasons against bike lanes:  Widens the asphalt footprint, drivers who are caught up in the scenery might veer into a bike lane, slowing traffic down too much, political opposition, cost changing things would alter the experience and is that what folks want. 

There's also discussion about allowing those on bikes to have preference on certain sections or on designated days of the week or portions of a month as a way forward. This would be a way to change the programming of the route without as much potential or investment in changing the actual road itself.

All interesting ideas to consider. The southern-most portion of the parkway ends west of Asheville, North Carolina, not too far from the Upstate. Last fall I ventured up that way after a family wedding, and it was breathtaking. Taking a ride along this feasible, fun option to consider, especially in the hot months of July and August. (Just remember to bring enough water and plan properly!)

So, what is place of the bicycle - on this road, on any road and as a part of the American way of life? To me it's exciting we are at a point as a society to engage in this debate! I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic by posting in the comment below.

Attempt #3 - Third Time's the Charm

I'm a bit late on this one, but a few months back I achieved a goal I had set for 2013 by taking part in my first group ride. In previous posts, I had written about my first and second attempts at group riding. As a long-time bike rider, yet novice group rider, I was the first to admit that the idea of riding with a slick, experienced, spandex-sporting crowd sounded intimidating.

One mid-spring Saturday morning a friend and I met up as planned. He was looking for someone to ride with to show him some new routes, and I was looking for someone to introduce me to the culture of group riding. He was up for the teaching opportunity and I was looking forward to showing off the rolling hills of the Upstate. It was the perfect match.

We took off to the Clemson Experimental Forest Fant's Grove area. The ride was pretty solid beginning ride - a few hills, beautiful scenery, little traffic to compete with and beautiful weather. If you haven't had the opportunity to ride in the area, I'd highly recommend it.

The 20 mile journey was a great time to learn the basics of group riding. Here's a few of the things I learned.

• The lead rider is responsible for guiding the group, setting the pace and can ultimately set the tone for the ride. A good leader can make (or break) the ride.
• On some rides, the last rider hangs back at the end of the pack, making sure no one gets left behind.
• Pass on what's pointed out. Potholes, stormwater grates, debris and other things that should be avoided should be pointed out as you pass it by. Pointing it out allows other riders behind you to "see" it.
• Hand signals are the most effective way to communicate when the wind is whizzing by your ears at 20 mph.
• Ask the group if there are common key words or phrases that the group uses. For example, the phrase "car back" is used to let other riders know that a car is approaching.
• Things to bring. It's always handy to have a snack, water, cell phone and extra tube and/or pump with you. Like a boy scout, it's always good to be prepared.

Things are just some of the things I learned, and the best thing was riding can be a lot of fun with the right group. I'm thankful that my first ride was with someone willing to show me the ropes. It wasn't as intimidating as I thought, and I'm looking forward to the next ride. With these few tips, maybe you'll consider a group ride, too.

When I ride a bike...

....I am having fun.

...I am doing my part to be a bit gentler on the environment.

...I am making it easier for you to drive to work. One less car on the road contributes to keeping the traffic down. If everyone who could rode their bike one or two days a week, just imagine the impact.

...I am taking up one less parking space at work, making way for someone who is unable to ride. (I work for an employer that has a limited number of parking spaces on their campus. Every parking space is accounted for, costs approximately $3,000 dollars to build/maintain and is strictly enforced by a permitting/ticketing program.)

...I am making a personal choice to take part in living a healthy lifestyle. Riding my bike 25 minutes twice a day helps to keep my heart happy, my blood pressure down, my muscles moving and my mind at ease.

...I have a reason to be okay with eating that donut, banana bread muffin or cookie that a co-worker brought in to celebrate. (As a former collegiate athlete with a sweet-tooth, I appreciate the ability to enjoy the "sweet things" in life without having to count every calorie.)

...I am part of a larger (national and international) community of bike riders who have a strong sense of connection, camaraderie and empowerment.

...I am doing something positive, active and engaging that contributes to a larger positive impact on my community.

Upstate News Update

Every so often I take some time on this blog to report local bicycle-related news. It's important to follow developing stories to help folks understand what's going on in their communities and to know of potential new places to ride. The last time we checked in with what's going on in the Upstate, the City of Rock Hill had just been designated a Bicycle Friendly City, Greenville's Bicycle Share program had just been announced, the PELCOR initiative between the cities of Pickens, Easley and Liberty continued to move forward and reviewing the potential for the development of a trail along the local abandoned Doodle Line railway was underway. Here's been an update on a few things since then:

Doodle Line Trail. Earlier this week it was announced that the cities of Easley and Pickens both approved the purchase of the all-but-abandoned railroad line. The purchase been followed closely in the local news. Some folks have come out in opposition, but a majority of the public sees the development of the trail between the two communities to be boon for recreation activities, health and wellness and community and economic development. Many people see it as an opportunity to create a local version of the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Easley Bike Plan:  Bushy Creek Greenway. The City of Easley continues to implement pieces of their 2010 Bike Master Plan. The City is moving forward with the development of the first phase of the Bushy Creek Greenway, a trail that will connect downtown with the J.B. "Red" Owen Recreation Complex. Folks will be invited to walk, run or bike on the local trail. Over time and as finances come available, pieces of the plan will be developed.

Greenville Bike Share.  The Greenville B-cycle bike sharing program is up and running! If you are headed to downtown for a night out on the town, errand running or holiday touring, be sure to check out the area on one of these bikes. It's a new, fun way to get around downtown. In other related news, the Greenville News did an article highlighting a few folks who bike to work. It was a nice piece that showed how regular folks ride their bike to get around.

Clemson University Bike Friendly University. Clemson University was designated the award of being a Bicycle Friendly University at the Bronze Level. Less than a year after the Master Bike Plan was adopted, Clemson joined only 57 other Universities to earn the award (at any level). As Clemson joins USC, it's great to see the state's leading institutions of higher education take charge in leading the way to creating bicycle-friendly places in the state and in the southeast.

Just Get On A Bike

An article in the Wall Street Journal (of all places!) that's a simple explanation to those who are trying to understanding, decide and figure out what the fuss about all this biking is about:  Just get on a bike.