Normally, you see students riding bikes or scooters to school, not teachers. It’s unheard of. But not for this SBHS Spanish teacher Mr. Llyod McFarlane. For the past 10 years, Mr. McFarlane has been riding his bike to school.
“I’ve been riding bikes ever since I came here,” he said.
Mr. Mcfarlane lives in Pompano and after taking the train to Sheridan Street, he bikes about 14.6 miles to school.
“I get on the 6:10 am train from Pompano and I get off at 6:37. That’s about 27 minutes,” said Mr. Mcfarlane.
During the school day, he stores the bike inside his classroom. He doesn’t have a problem storing it as long as the principle says it’s okay.
His first year at the school he had a tandem bike built for two people. It was for his wife and son, and he had a basket in the front for his son to ride in. He still has that bike to this day; his son rides it now. Mcfarlane has since upgraded to a 500-watt electric bike that goes 26 miles an hour that he received it as a gift.
“It’s easier, less expensive, and healthier,” said McFarlane. “I can get here faster than teachers [who drive].”
Mcfarlane has a car but would rather ride his bike to school. In the past, Mr. Mcfarlane would park his car at his rental house and ride his bike to school.
Although biking to work can lead to a healthier lifestyle, it may not be a safer one. The roads near SBHS are buzzing with traffic, especially during the morning and after school.
“Riding a bicycle is very dangerous. Because some bicyclists feel that they’re invincible and then motorists don’t see bicyclists,” he said.
He also describes that when turning on the road, you’d put your hand out in the direction you are headed due to the streets being so busy, and people don’t always pay attention to the safety of those on bikes. So, he goes on to mention that it may be safer to ride on bike lanes.
“Respect the rules of the road and wear as much safety gear as you need,” said Mr. Mcfarlane.
Mr. Mcfarlane still has a car he uses for family, and but he doesn’t ride it to school because it doesn’t allow him to be out in nature.
“The most important thing for me. It’s to be out in nature. It’s fun coming to work,” he said.
