“I no longer want carbon miles!”
David Malsot, 54, has been a bike commuter for years. His experience perfectly illustrates the numerous advantages of cycling as a mode of transportation.
Deep motivations for adopting bike commuting
David Malsot, aged 54, is a cornerstone of the Montbéliard Institute of Technology, where he has been teaching for over 15 years.
David is passionate about a multitude of activities, including rugby, hiking, cinema, skill games, and even craft beer tasting. To this eclectic list, another of his passions is added: cycling.
Even before starting his workday, David dedicates time to bike commuting, a practice that is particularly dear to him.
The MMi department of Montbéliard.
Example of a bike route to take in the North Franche-Comté region.
A passion above all for two-wheelers…
David finds in bike commuting a faithful ally for his daily commute to work. With a touch of humor, he presents us with his means of transportation, ranging from bike to car, and even motorcycle.
The motorcycle may be chosen for longer trips or when he’s in a hurry, but it can’t rival the ecological and health benefits offered by the bike, a symbol of his environmental values and personal well-being.
Why choosing velotaf?
Asked about the reasons for his preference for cycling, he highlights its ecological aspect, thus emphasizing his contribution to environmental preservation by reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution associated with the use of motor vehicles.
He also emphasizes the health benefits, mentioning that cycling helps him stay physically and mentally fit. And finally, the personal enjoyment he finds in cycling, highlighting the sense of freedom and well-being he feels when pedaling on roads or bike paths.
A significant economic advantage
David first mentions the direct savings achieved through the use of the bike. By avoiding buying fuel for his car, he saves significantly on fuel costs, a significant financial advantage, especially in the face of volatile pump prices.
Furthermore, bike maintenance is significantly less expensive than that of a car. Expenses related to repairs and maintenance are minimal in comparison, which helps lighten David’s monthly budget.
David reduces his environmental impact while saving money.
According to David, diversions and road works are not adequately signposted for cyclists.
The moderate challenges of bike commuting
However, the North Franche-Comté region is not without challenges for cyclists. While the cycling infrastructure is acceptable, the weather can be a major obstacle. David emphasizes the need for improvements, especially in terms of safety on bike paths and coexistence with other users.
When asked if he sometimes has to dismount his bike, he bravely admits to ignoring the ‘dismount’ signs, although it may be necessary on certain sections of his route.