From Sfchronicle · · 3m
Biking Changed My Life in San Francisco
A San Francisco Chronicle culture critic shares how biking transformed his life and community connections.
In brief
A San Francisco Chronicle culture critic shares how biking transformed his life and community connections. Peter Hartlaub, a San Francisco Chronicle culture critic, found better health, time savings, and deeper community ties after switching to biking in San Francisco. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
First Bike Ride
I remember my first trip up Market Street on a bike, and the feeling of swirling danger around me.
Bike Commuting
Riding a bicycle has become as much a part of my Chronicle job as exploring new spaces, hanging out with cool old people and breaking big Pacifica Taco Bell news.
Health and Savings
I’ve gotten healthier, spent less money and saved time cruising past traffic jams.
Bike History
I rode a dirt bike with training wheels in the 1970s, a Kermit the Frog Schwinn in the ’80s and brought a mountain bike to college in San Luis Obispo when the words 'mountain bike'…
San Francisco Parking
I would pay $18 to park all day at the lot across from the Chronicle (which buys about three hours now), accumulate parking tickets on assignments, then drive in ever-wider circles around the Haight-Ashbury in…
Bike Mentor
Lily Janiak, our San Francisco Chronicle theater critic who bikes to shows and everywhere else, coaxed me along like a mother duck.
Bike Commuting Benefits
I’ve become a better journalist and a better community member. I may not live longer, did I mention that I bike in San Francisco?, but I’m definitely doing a better job working for you.
Bike Infrastructure
Under the leadership of Mayor London Breed and SFMTA Chief Jeffrey Tumlin, the city in 2020 began adding the instant oatmeal version of bike lanes.
Bike Stories
On a bike, moving slowly but deliberately, I see, hear, touch and smell things that drivers don’t.
Bike Community
Biking through the city also leads to new friends, new communities. Nothing fills my cup faster than yelling a hearty 'Good morning Val!' while passing Valerie Chieng’s flower stand on Market Street.
Bike Impact
I’ve since strapped on Go Pros to share a harrowing two-wheeled shortcut through the Posey Tube, joined a pastry-loving bicycling club’s ride to Twin Peaks and pedaled to work with Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming.
Bike Future
Just getting on a bike in 2026 feels like a political act. The upcoming Prop G vote for the future of Sunset Dunes, keep our beautiful new oceanside park or turn it back into an…
Bike Life
I made a massive life change that felt like a leap into the void, and it has bettered me in ways I didn’t imagine. Sometimes bicycling seems like a political statement.
The essence
Peter Hartlaub, a San Francisco Chronicle culture critic, found better health, time savings, and deeper community ties after switching to biking in San Francisco.
