Commuter of the Month: Bill Buchanan

Job: Computer Service & Repair
Age: 59
Home: East '70s
Commute: First, down to a Wall Street area parts depot, where he calls tip customers and finds out what computer parts he needs to bring them. Then, bicycle laden with computer Parts, disk drives, or even a small monitor; he delivers and installs them, usually at various sites in the midtown area.
Clothing & gear: Shirt and tie, always carries raingear, or a parka in the winter. No helmet, but "a very cautious cyclist."
Special equipment: Steel Wald racks (front and rear) to handle the heavy loads. Bungies, of course. Bike repair tools and a small pump. Folding handtruck to bring the parts upstairs.
Weather: "I'll even go in the snow. No matter what the conditions, the bicycle's the best way to go. I can usually duck under an awning if the rain gets too intense, or dry out at my next stop."
Cargo: Mainframe parts such as power supplies (sometimes up to 100 lbs), head & disk assemblies, computer monitors, keyboards, laser printer parts and mechanisms. And a tool case with service manuals for installing everything. "It's like having your own pack mule."
Vehicle: "An inexpensive but extensively uglified mountain bike." Cantilever brakes for safe braking, fat tires to handle the heavy loads and to avoid being swallowed by sewer gratings. Two U-locks for security.
Improvisation: When the load gets too heavy, he can tow the handtruck as a makeshift trailer. "I can bring things like a 14" monitor that another technician would have to take a cab with or use a delivery service."
Parking. "Any pole on the street." Gets a bike stolen every 5-8 years.
How long: Since 1970, when he became responsible for several different installations. Was already bicycle commuting to work. Started carrying small parts on a 10-speed Atala with a Pletscher rack.
Quotes: "I can hear the click of a car door opening two cars in front of me, and I stop immediately."

"At the end of the day after my last job, when I get on the bicycle I feel like I'm home already."

"Sometimes the subway is faster, but this way I always get a seat."

Read more commuter profiles.