A whole crew of realtors prepare to bike to new open homes
Perhaps there are more jobs out there where people can bike instead of drive?
Perhaps there are more jobs out there where people can bike instead of drive?
It was just a thought that connected an enjoyment of riding a bike while doing our business and the approach of Bike to Work Week. The happy result is a good number of workers gave it a try, jumping on their bikes instead of into cars on a Tuesday to visit homes newly listed for sale. Realtors get a chance to "preview" homes coming up for sale in a "broker's tour" on our flat, ever so bike friendly Alameda terrain on Tuesdays. It happens between 10am and 1pm.
Our project was this. Why not see if the Alameda Association of Realtors would help promote alternative transportation to their membership. Almost instantly AAOR president Eileen Walker had the concept approved and members organizing. Co-sponsor would be BikeAlameda. The name Realtor d'Alameda was coined. We were "good to go!"
Flyers were made, emails went out, advance photo taken and published in the Alameda Journal. The result, Tuesday May 17 pedals were turned instead of steering wheels. Participating were a few long-time tour riders and some bonfire first timers. Never before had so many bikes parked in front "preview" homes. Bile racks may not have been necessary but it was a good start.
Riding realtors came from the west and from the east of town. They passed and waived and visited in front yards. Bikes were small in size and large, with fat tires and narrow.
Realtor Pat Koutoulakis rode for her first time. When asked for her thoughts she had this to say. "I'd like to (say) how fun it was. I usually swim an hour daily and this took care of at least two workouts as the next day I was dragging, not sore, just drained. I've spoken to a couple other agents and am recruiting them for the upcoming summer months to do broker's (tour) on bikes. I believe the timing worked out the same, I got my work-out in, had the chance to enjoy Alameda's historic scenery at a slower pace, and the fresh air was a plus."
Also enthusiastic after leaving their cars at home were agents Denise Brady and Dede Cunningham. Not only did they plan to do this again soon but they rode to their office on next Thursday, Bike to Work Day, despite drizzle and wet streets.
In their special Alameda way real estate agents are open to new, fun and environmentally beneficial practices. Now who might be next? Dentists? Bankers?