by Betsy O'Grady, student in the Spring 2025 UVM Public Communications class.

Believe it or not, choosing biking over vehicular transportation may be the solution to decreasing high rates of stress and anxiety many Americans face today. The simple act of biking offers a powerful yet often overlooked remedy for enhancing mental well-being. For many Americans, the daily troubles of sitting in traffic, navigating busy roads, and dealing with road rage has become a key source of frustration and exhaustion. Studies have shown that long commutes by car are correlated to higher stress levels, increased risk of depression, and decreased overall life satisfaction. Meanwhile, those who choose to bike instead report feeling happier, more energized, and less stressed. Not only is biking a form of transportation, it’s a natural mood booster. It provides a connection with the environment and makes exercise a mindless activity. As car dependency continues to be the norm for transportation in the United States, it’s essential to recognize the mental health benefits of choosing two wheels over four.

Celebrate the summer by biking, walking, and rolling all over Vermont!

A bicycle is a good vehicle to use if you enjoy taking photographs. A car can cover a lot of territory but stopping is sometimes a challenge. I often take photographs of the rising sun from the bridge between Burlington and Winooski. Those shots would have been almost impossible if I had been riding in a car instead of on my bike. I have also taken many photographs from the Colchester bike causeway, a place where you can’t drive a car! Walking is another good way to take photos but a bike gives me a wider range than walking. I have taken photos in much of northwestern Vermont.

The 2025 legislative session has wrapped up and we are excited to tell you about several significant wins for Vermont’s biking community!

by Liv Miller, student in the Spring 2025 UVM Public Communications class.

As a full-time college student, I know how important it is to incorporate physical activity in my life. Between classes, part-time jobs, internships, and more, it is easy to take for granted the importance of maintaining my physical health. However, I know I am not alone in this struggle, as millions of Americans fail to achieve the recommended amount of exercise recommended by leading health experts.

As the saying goes, “the only constant in life is change”, and the Local Motion team is seeing a couple of changes. 

In the Greater Burlington area I see a wide variety of bikes. Over the years there have been waves of different kinds of bikes. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remains a core value of Local Motion, despite the efforts to dismantle it by certain entities. 

I bought my Salsa Fargo from Old Spokes Home in 2008. That was the first year that Salsa made the Fargo. The Fargo is an adventure bike with mountain bike geometry and downturned handlebars. Other riders stopped me so they could take a look at the Fargo. It was an unusual look back then, but now adventure bikes are more common. I own five bikes but the Fargo is the one I ride the most. I use it for commuting year round. In the winter I ride with studded tires. Just recently I had the studded tires removed, a sure sign of spring! The Fargo’s paint is chipped but the steel frame just keeps on going. I have repairs done as needed. As I get older my Fargo is an inspiration. My body is dinged up, and I have my share of wrinkles but I hope to continue riding for as long as I can.

Each year, sugar houses statewide open their doors to the public for Maple Open House Weekend. It’s a chance to see the boiling process in person, to understand the hard work that goes into our state’s favorite sticky sap, and to stock up on maple treats. I took the “stocking up” part seriously this year as I joined in the Fifth Season bike race run by Analog Cycles in Poultney.