Lorna Green: Shaking up PG County

In celebration of May as National Bike Month, we are asking League staff members why they ride and how they make the most of Bike Month.

Next up is Lorna Green, director of operations.

Hi Lorna, how are you celebrating Bike Month this year?

I celebrate just being able to ride my bike.

What’s your favorite Bike Month experience?

I have found WABA’s Bike to Work Day activities both fun and enjoyable.  Just seeing how many people ride to work each day validates the work we do.

What are the best things about bicycling?

The best thing about cycling is the freedom — to be able to go anywhere on your schedule and under your own power.  Not waiting for the bus or train.  Not hoping you have enough gas in the car or waiting in traffic.

You live in Prince George’s County, an inner-ring suburb of DC. How is the bicycling experience different in PG County than it is in DC?

I live in an urban part of Prince George’s County.  Most cyclists in my area cycle out of the need for cheap transportation, not for recreation.  Most parents are too afraid to let their children cycle on a regular basis, so it is rare to see kids out on their bikes.  Even quality shopping is prohibitive since it is not reachable by foot or bike.

I see far too many near misses in my neighborhood.  A teenager died a few months ago just crossing the street.  We need more driver awareness and Complete Streets NOW!

When and why do you and your family ride your bikes?

There are some very nice parks several miles from where I live.  We like to go together and ride a few times a year.

What do you know now that you wish you knew before you started to ride frequently?

Through the League’s education program, I have found that there is a right way to cycle safely with traffic.

What do you typically wear to ride?

Regular clothes or a big shirt and sweat pants on the weekends.

Thanks, Lorna!