U-PASS Profiles

Mix it Up Profile

(originally published in the December 2004 U-Commute News)

Nigel Heinsius, Web Publisher, Publications Services

At 6:50 am, Nigel Heinsius flashes his U-PASS at the dock and boards the earliest water taxi from West Seattle. After securing his bike in one of the special spaces provided with bungee cords, he joins a couple of dozen people for the short ride to the Argosy terminal in downtown Seattle—ETA 7:05.

“Twelve minutes is just enough time to scan the paper, get your iPod playlists in order, or have a quick cup of coffee. Everyone is very friendly and talkative on the boat.”

The water taxi is only one leg of Nigel’s commute to campus. He pedals the last part—another 5.5 miles—and can reach his office at Publications Services before 7:30.

“There is a medium hill up Western to the Pike Place Market. Then a -MEAN- hill with cobblestones up to First Ave. I cut over to Dexter which has a very friendly bike lane down to Fremont.  At this time in the morning there are not too many cars on the road so it’s a pleasant ride.  Finally,  I hop on the Burke-Gilman Trail to campus.”

Nigel isn’t always able to bike to work, or spend a quarter of an hour relaxing on the boat—there are days when he has to bring his car.  But, he’s glad he has the option of a mix-it-up commute.

“I really like biking to work because it makes me feel more energetic all day. On the days I drive in, grabbing a coffee and doughnut on the way in, I just don’t feel as lively. Maybe it’s the doughnut!”