Andy Davis
Andy Davis has lived without a car for six years. While you may find this typical for some college students, most do not share Andy’s passion for active transportation. Davis has ridden his bike in some form nearly everyday for 13 years. Whether he is commuting from his home to Mizzou’s campus, where he studies journalism as a strategic communication major, or to Walt’s Bike Shop where he works as a sales manager, Davis enjoys the ride.
Besides the obvious benefits of saving money on gas and car insurance, Davis says his commute, which can be up to four miles a day, keeps him in relatively good shape. Even in winter he says the combination of the right clothes and lots of practice riding around in poor weather makes it easy to get around.
“It takes me less time to get from my house to most places in Columbia and there are a lot of pretty things in nature that you can’t see from a car,” he said.
Davis says the biggest challenge to his commute is irresponsible drivers on the road.
“I think that the real issue between cars and bike riders boils down to respect,” Davis said. “There is so little respect on the road these days. Drivers need to remember that we are people too, and people who are unprotected because we are not incased in a vehicle with airbags and anti-lock brakes and all the modern day safety features cars come equipped with.”
In his free time Davis rides for longer intervals, up to 50 miles on recreational days. He hopes his riding will inspire others to get on their bike.
“I hope that people see me out on the road, wearing a helmet and getting around without too many issues and get inspired to get out too,” Davis said. “At the end of the day I am a big kid who likes the feeling he gets from riding a bike.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Commuter Spotlight , please prepare a short article and photo and then contact us. Attachments cannot be sent to this address but Michelle will get back in touch with you directly.
