A Q&A With Stephanie Frans

Stephanie Frans is the commute program manager with the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation. She works with the Seattle business community through the Bike Business Forum, a group of businesses and business leaders who are committed to supporting bicycling both for their employees and through advocacy. Frans manages a new program called BizCycle that provides best practice resources for bike-friendly businesses as well as bike-friendly business certification.

How do you use your bike in your daily life?

My bike is a simple way to get to nearly everything in my neighborhood: grocery, banks, community garden plot, parks, my coffee shop and work.

When did you start using your bike to get from A to B?

I started bicycling full-time when I moved to Seattle in 1998 for graduate school. It was such a simple way to get around, save money, and stay healthy – important issues for everyone, but especially grad students.

What bikes and bike gear could you not live without?

Sweater dresses. They are dressy, warm and breathable. Sweater dresses also lend themselves to tights and boots, my other bicycling essentials. I installed upright handlebars on my Raleigh Port Townsend to make it easier to ride during my third trimester. But I find them so fun, comfortable, and visible that they are here to stay.

How has your bike transformed your daily life?

With a toddler and a new baby, I’m busy and sleep-deprived. My bike commute perks me up so I can actually function by the time I get to work. If you’re gonna be a working mother, be a bicycling working mother.

What advice would you have for others who want to get started cycling for Transportation?

Don’t over-complicate it. You can ride to the store to grab a few things. You can ride in normal – even pretty – clothes. You can find safe and pleasant routes along slow, quiet streets.

Why should businesses consider promoting bike commuting?

Bicycling is good for business. Customers who bicycle shop more often and spend more overall. Employees who commute by bicycle are significantly healthier, more alert, and happier.