That moment you started riding a bike again

There are many fantastic reasons to ride: for the environment, for a better health and to save some money. As Cascade's Community Outreach Manager, I have spoken with many people who fully support these reasons to ride but their "buts' keep them from taking that next step.

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There are so many people out there who are interested in bicycling but there they always have a "but"; I would ride my bike but I don't feel safe; I would ride my bike but I don't know what to do once I get to work; I would like to ride but it's not practical. You get the idea.

Lucky for me, I represent an organization that is working on these issues through classes, events like Bike Month, programs like  BizCycle, and advocacy work that pushes for items like a better Seattle Bike Master Plan with world-class bicycle infrastructure.

At some point, new riders experience an 'a-ha moment'  that finally takes them the next step - a co-worker offering to show them a route, a bike shop opening around the corner, or their kids finally all being in school.

For me, that extra little push was a cute boy. He lived on Capitol Hill and had some cute hipster glasses. Riding his bike was an important part of his lifestyle and I wanted to be part of that. So I bought a bicycle off craigslist and started making my 10 minute commute to and from the UW by bike. While I'm a little embarrassed that I started riding for a boy, that relationship has long come and gone and years later I am still riding my bike, and inspiring others to ride, too!

As a matter fact I inspired another cute boy to ride and that boy is now my husband.

I want to know from you, dear internet, what was that thing that finally took away you buts. Please share!