Steve Saitta
As Columbia’s Park Development Superintendent, Steve Saitta (pronounced “say-tah”) knows the importance of good recreational facilities and how they can increase the health and happiness of a community. As a regular bicycle commuter, he also knows firsthand what active transportation users need and how good infrastructure can make a big difference. “I experience Columbia in an entirely different way and find I notice much more as I ride through neighborhoods and on roads that I would seldom see in a car,” he said.
Saitta commutes eight to 10 times a week with mileage of anywhere from six to 20 miles per day and thinks that having a different perspective on the city and how people move through it is a valuable asset. “I feel my work with trail planning and the GetAbout Columbia program is more effective by better understanding the needs associated with biking in our community,” he stated.
He would like to see more bicyclists in Columbia and feels that anyone who rides a bike for commuting inspires those who have been thinking about it. “I suspect that commuter biking is like most things we do, the more people you see enjoying biking safely around Columbia, the more we’ll find others will give it a try. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of commuter biking to take the ‘Confident City Cycling’ course offered thru PedNet,” said Saitta. “This will enable both new and experience riders to learn the proper and approved methods for cycling safely on the road. I thought the course was excellent.”
For Saitta, talking himself into using the bike on a bad weather day is the most difficult part of his active transportation lifestyle, but he is always rewarded by how good the exercise makes him feel. “I enjoy the health benefits I get from riding a bike for transportation,” said Saitta.
In his free time, Saitta enjoys time with family and friends hiking, biking, fly fishing and traveling.
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.
