Columbus Professor Helps Air Quality By Riding Bike To Work

Professor Troy Keller at Columbus State University would say his route to work everyday is scenic, but his mode of transportation is quite different than most.

“I do have a car but for commutes back and forth I try to use the bike as much as possible,“ says Keller.

He’s been riding his bike to work for nearly nine years, and it’s become a teaching tool.

“I use it in my classes to talk about substantiality and how it’s important to think about everyday things that you do including how you get back and forth to school.“

Clean Air Campaign representative Wanda Jenkins is urging people to follow in Keller’s footsteps.

“When we’re talking about how much Columbus is growing, we need to take into consideration that the more people coming in, they’re bringing in their cars with them,“ says Jenkins.

67% of our bad air comes from the tail pipes of cars and, clean air offers a program that rewards those who choose to “clean up their act.“

“Biking, walking, telecommute,“ Jenkins explains, and the list goes on.

Keller says he’s saved over $1,500 in the last two years, but there are other benefits.

“We’re affecting the quality of life, we’re affecting economic development as we’re asking businesses to come into Columbus,“ says Jenkins.

This very reason motivates doctor Keller to lead by example.

“It wouldn’t make a bit of sense for me to be standing up there saying oh you ought to be doing this when I’m not myself doing the same thing,“ says Keller.

Click here for more information about the commuter program.