Benjamin the Biker
By Debbie Karwoski
Bike commuters start young in Columbia. Eight-year-old, third grader Benjamin Elmore has been commuting to school on his bike since last year. Benjamin rides three-quarters of a mile from his neighborhood in west central Columbia to Good Shepherd Lutheran School. His route takes him 5-10 minutes, depending on how fast he pedals.
This young man is an all-weather biker. He tackles rainy and snowy days as well as the pleasant ones. Benjamin says the best thing about riding his bike to school is that he gets lots of exercise and he has time to think. Dad Drew Elmore provides a role model as he frequently bikes to his job on the MU campus.
Benjamin’s advice for other young riders is to make sure your bike is in good condition; then know your route, wear the right clothes for the weather, wear your helmet and know the hand signals. “You’ll get a good work out,” he says.
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