Sunnybrook staff bike to work despite rain
[attach]4399[/attach]If the Canadian winter doesn’t stop Chris Acconcia from riding his bike to work, it’s no surprise a steady stream of rain didn’t either.
Acconcia, who works at Sunnybrook Hospital’s medical physics department, was one of roughly 75 employees who cycled to work on May 26 as part of the hospital’s annual Bike to Work Day.
Despite a gloomy and rainy morning, Acconcia said the advantages of cycling outweigh the negatives.
“I bike everyday so the rain is not a problem,” he said. “It wakes me up in the morning, and it has the added benefit of not imposing on the environment.”
He was also quick to point out that while it may take a bit more effort to bike to work, he likes the challenge.
“It’s too easy to drive,” he said.
The hospital usually holds Bike to Work Day on June 8 to commemorate former Sunnybrook researcher Alan Tamane, who died in an accident while cycling to work in 2007. It was held in May this year to coincide with similar events in other parts of the city.
The event, in its fourth year at Sunnybrook, is held in conjunction with Smart Commute, an organization that encourages commuters to reduce their carbon footprint by walking or biking.
Smart Commute’s assistant program manager, Keagan Gartz, said she wasn’t surprised that many cyclists decided to ride their bike to work despite the rain.
“These cyclists are pretty committed, they come rain or shine,” she said. “We’ve seen a pretty good turnout.”
She noted that while many of the participants already bike to work everyday, she sees a trend.
“Traffic congestion is only going to increase and as parking, fuel and all car costs increase, people are looking for alternatives,” she said. “I really feel cycling is a great alternative because it’s healthy and practical.”
Health and the environment were two of the most common reasons for cycling. But some, like Valerie Sutherland, who biked roughly 7 km from Bayview and Sheppard avenues, offered more practical reasons for biking to work.
“I like the fresh air, and it’s a nice commute from where I live,” she said. “Oh, and you don’t have to pay for parking.”