Riding a bike 15 miles to work is something you'd probably never think of doing. You may be surprised that a Beaumont man does just that. That's despite the difficulties of riding a bike in Southeast Texas. The Southeast Texas Hike and Bike Coalition hopes to make commutes and recreational cycling safer and easier here. The coaltion wants a bike trail that would span the City of Beaumont.
"It's just a great way to start the day. I feel alert and awake. When I get to work I feel better," said T. Lynn Walden.
T. Lynn used to ride his bike just for fun. Now he uses his trip to work for exercise. He bikes 30 miles a day to and from work.
"The first time I was scared to death. Everyone told me I shouldn't do it. I couldn't do it. I'd get killed," said Walden.
His trip starts in Nederland on Twin City Highway, what he calls the peaceful part of the journey. The ride becomes more dangerous once he hits the City of Beaumont. He now competes with cars for space on the road. One of the most dangerous spots is 4th Street.
"Congestion, curved edges and narrow lanes. That's why I ride this early. There's not as much traffic before 7:30," said Walden.
The Southeast Texas Hike and Bike Coalition wants to build future roads with bike lanes. It's not expecting an overnight renovation. It just wants to find an inexpensive way to make the city more bike friendly.
T. Lynn works in a law office. He says he used to make the trip in 40 minutes. He recently beat his record, making it to work in 37 minutes. Once he gets to work he changes clothes and goes on with his day.
"It's something I can't explain. I just love to ride my bike," said Walden.
It's a sentiment shared by other cyclists in Southeast Texas. All they're hoping for is their share of the road.