Dan Holladay and Frank Shumaker, Tucson firefighters, are staying fit and saving hundreds of dollars this year by riding their bikes to work each day. When Dan relocated to a fire station closer to home, biking to work became a viable option. Frank started biking after his wife gave him a bike for Christmas. Frank has lost weight and the money he’s saved will help pay for all their Christmas presents in 2008. Frank’s got one smart wife. 

Both men love starting their day on their bicycles, although they have very different commutes. Dan rides over seven miles through the desert on his mountain bike. He loves the sunrises, the desert air and the wildlife, but he has to be careful of the washes when there’s rain. Frank on the other hand bikes to work on the road and was careful to find a route with bike lanes. Both bikers carefully planned their routes to work before their first day of commuting. Frank and Dan sometimes extend their rides home to get a better workout or join other cyclists they meet on their rides.

Now that Frank and Dan are experienced bike commuters, they have some sage advice for those considering traveling to work by bike:

• Take care of your bike – lube it, check the tires, get a tune-up
• Wear a helmet, ALWAYS
• Carry a cell phone
• Plan your route in advance
• Stay in the bike lane
• Register for PAG’s guaranteed ride home program
• And pay attention to where you are going (that one is from Dan).