Women On Bikes SoCal’s Kellie Morris

Kellie Morris completed her first multi-day, fund-raising bike ride in 2002 after a co-worker dared her to take up the challenge — a seven-day ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, CA. Morris is the “Street Savvy” Adult Bicycle Safety Program Director for Women On Bikes SoCal. In addition, she writes the “We All Ride Bikes” column for Women on Bikes SoCal.

Q: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR BIKE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Since my husband and I share one car, I opt to ride my bike for errands that are 15 miles (24 kilometers) or less. Those errands might be shopping trips, meeting friends for a meal, visiting our daughters, attending meetings, going to church, dropping by the library, or taking in a movie.

Q: HOW HAS YOUR BIKE TRANSFORMED YOUR DAILY LIFE?

I have more physical energy and sleep better. In car-centric Los Angeles, I am now more connected to my city, since I can interact with everyone as I ride: motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists.

Q: WHEN DID YOU START USING YOUR BIKE TO GET AROUND?

When we moved to the bike-friendly city of Long Beach in 2011, I realized that it was very easy to get around the city using a combination of bike lanes, city streets, and light rail transit. The more I ventured out the more adventurous I became. Now I have undergone a mind shift where I assume I’ll ride my bike for errands instead of driving our car.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS LIKE YOU WHO WANT TO GET STARTED?

Ask yourself every day, as you are planning your day, “What trips can I ride my bike instead of driving?” Start short rides to the local coffee shop. As you are successful with the small trips, you’ll gain the confidence to venture farther.

Q: WHAT BIKES AND BIKE GEAR COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

My recumbent trike gets me around town in spite of the chronic hand pain that does not allow me to ride a regular bike. I could not live without my sturdy Detour panniers that are often filled with groceries and other goodies. My glasses-mounted, rear-view mirror affords me a wide-ranging view of traffic behind me so I can better manage my lane changes.