Mark Fernandez Wins Bike Spirit Award
Bethesda resident and employee Mark Fernandez received the Bethesda Bicycle Commuter Spirit “Golden Pedal” Award during the Bike to Work Day pit stop for his commitment to bike commuting in downtown Bethesda.
Mark was nominated by his employer, Bethesda-based property management company B.F. Saul.
“Mark is a devoted cyclist,” said B.F. Saul Vice President Terry Landers. “I admire that he cares about the environment, and he has been instrumental in providing valuable input in the improvements we've made to our cycling amenities. He has been helpful, too, when abandoned bikes needed to be removed, taking them on our behalf to be donated.”
Mark also assisted with the building improvements at the B.F. Saul property where Bethesda Urban Partnership is located. He made sure that showers and lockers were added to the bathrooms in the building. These have been a wonderful benefit to staff.
Mark has some safety advice for novice cyclists: “Spend the money on many quality flashing lights,” Mark said. “There is nothing like a strobe effect to get the motorist's attention.”
On a personal level, Mark has found biking to work to be very beneficial. “I am more relaxed behind the handlebars than behind the steering wheel,” he said.
Other benefits Mark cited include seeing more of his neighbors and his neighborhood, being able to do last-minute shopping, and actually getting home faster on his bike than in his car.
“Biking is only an option for some,” Mark noted, “but everyone can try it!”
