My Claim to Fame

Posted: Monday, March 29, 2010 12:15 am | Updated: 3:47 pm, Mon Mar 29, 2010.

By MICHAEL GIBNEY, Chronicle Staff Writer |http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_97b14168-3ac9-11df-acda-001cc4c03286.html

At the twins' schools, the cars line up as parents drop off their children, the engines rumbling.
But Arlo and Stella Campbell, both 5, arrive quietly in the trailer of a bicycle powered by either John or Bevin, their parents, who then ride the bicycle to work.
Bicycle commuting is just something that the Campbells do. Both John and Bevin have ridden competitively. And when they lived in New Zealand, John rode 32 miles to and from work every day for a year.
Now, John rides about 20 miles a day and Bevin rides about 10.
"After ditching one car, you find out Bozeman is a very bikable place to live," Bevin said. "We try to point out to people that it's possible."
Some people don't understand how they manage two kids, full-time jobs and the morning and afternoon commutes each day. But the Campbells find it logical.
"The time we spend commuting is comparable to the time people spend at the gym," Bevin explained.
Also, by just having one car and driving it only when the weather requires, the Campbells estimate they save at least $100 a month on gas alone.
But there is an ongoing feud between drivers and bikers, as demonstrated by Lance Armstrong's recent squabble with ESPN's Tony Kornheiser, who suggested drivers "run ‘em down."
"I think we can get along," Bevin said. "It's all about sharing the road. There's room enough for all of us."
The Campbells call themselves environmentalists, but insist they're not self-righteous about it.
"I get lazy sometimes and drive," Bevin said. "It's generally just more sensible to ride the bike sometimes, though."
Arlo and Stella enjoy the commute, too, Bevin said. They sit side by side in the trailer, always wearing their helmets.
The Campbells notice that it has also made the twins more aware of biking as a mode of transportation.
"As toddlers in New Zealand, they watched John commute every day on his bike," Bevin said. "So they're turning into bikers, too. They realize that anything under five miles is always bikable."
Getting out the door isn't always easy.
"Getting ready and getting on the bike can sometimes feel like a chore," Bevin admitted. "But as soon as I'm riding, I'm always grinning."
Michael Gibney can be reached at mgibney@dailychronicle.com or 406-582-2638.