Biking Means Business

In Houston, the commute can set the tone for the rest of your day. For Kelly Collins, it’s where the learning starts.

The Bauer College Rockwell Career Center executive director bikes to campus, turning a 10-minute ride into lessons on focus, awareness and growth.

Collins has cycled to work for the last five years. After she and her husband moved to the east side of town, she said she found herself on the University of Houston campus while she was walking her dogs on the weekends.

“I thought, ‘wow, it would be a lot faster and cheaper if I rode my bike to work,’” she said. “I decided not to renew my parking pass, and I haven’t since.”

Ever since, she’s considered herself a much happier human, Collins added. Her commute has been consistent, she can be at work in under 10 minutes, and she doesn’t have to fight for a parking spot.

Riding a bicycle every day has allowed her to notice things that she wouldn’t otherwise see behind the wheel, Collins said. It is not uncommon for her to encounter a stray dog on her way to work, so she started carrying treats with her so she can stop to feed them. It also makes even the most mundane tasks more fun, she added. Every meeting or event she attends feels like an adventure as she navigates new paths.

“I think we all get stuck in our routines,” Collins said. “Being able to detach from all your worries and let your mind kind of reset helps with creativity.”

Biking to work every day has not only helped improve her mood but has also made her more mentally sharp. Rather than turning on music or a podcast and zoning out, on her bike, she has to stay focused on her surroundings.

Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable, Collins said, but it’s just as important to have a high level of situational awareness.

“You have to anticipate the move of every driver, every pedestrian and every scooter that's zooming by,” she said. “Even if you have the right-of-way, don’t assume a car will stop. If you’re at an intersection, wait for them to acknowledge you. And always stay in the bike lanes.”

Collins compares navigating traffic to negotiating in a business setting.

“You have to be firm and have an exit strategy if your plan doesn’t go right,” Collins said. “You always have to be thinking ahead.”

Rain or shine, Bauer students can find Collins riding her bike all the way to RCC in Michael J. Cemo Hall.