By: Edir Coronado
Based on a population sample the United States Census Bureau estimated that in 2013 76 percent of people commuted solely using cars. Another 9.4 percent traveled using carpools, the rest of the sample population travelled via public transportation, walking, by other means, and lastly by bicycle. There are some clear examples as to why riding a bicycle would be beneficial to an individual, it promotes a healthy lifestyle, it is environmentally friendly, and it is a surprisingly quick method of transportation, these are a few of the more evident reasons. Still others ride for sport, to support a cause, or because they enjoy traveling long distances on their bike during leisure time.
“I like to just get on my bike and ride,” said 15-year-old high school student and New Providence resident Tyler Campbell, who was formerly a faithful BMX rider, but began delving into the world of long distance riding about a year ago. Tyler began BMX riding at the age of 7 and has competed in events staged in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. While he’s still interested in BMX riding, Tyler has recently focused his efforts into creating a bike club for teens in New Providence.
On a scorching hot summer day in front of Starbucks, Tyler, his mother Sherryl Campbell, his cousin Asher-Marie Coates, and local resident and bike enthusiast Sym Swelden congregated in support of Tyler’s first group bike session. Sym who has been involved in long distance biking for many years was present as a mentor. He spoke of the dangers of riding on the road and the joys of reaching your first century mark, a term used by cyclists when they reach 100 miles in just one bike session. Sym himself no longer cycles longdistances, but his wealth of knowledge, such as obtaining a mirror to view cars, apps to track distance, and colors to wear to increase cyclists’ visibility to motorists, prove useful to the young cyclists.
Tyler’s dedication to the sport of cycling is staunch. He hopes to generate interest amongst his peers and create an opportunity for him to be able to ride with cyclists his own age. Before Tyler had the idea to start a bike group, he would regularly participate in an adult riding club, where he was the youngest member and continuously impressed other older and more experienced riders.
Tyler, considered a novice, carries himself like an expert, riding on average 20 miles a day, riding through any weather, even snow, and logging 72 miles in one day for his longest distance. Starting the bike group is only the beginning, after the group gains traction, Tyler will register for USA Cycling and enter different cycling events. As Tyler and the group continue to grow, he plans to involve the club in various different charity events, in an effort to combine his athletic passion with his humanitarian efforts. Some events include a fundraiser ride to DC in May and the NY Multiple Sclerosis ride in October.
Tyler’s bike success has a lot to do with self-dedication, but also from the unwavering support from his family. Hi mom, Sheryll who has never cycled long distance before, began routinely riding and is now up to 8 miles, an impressive feat confessed Sym, but even before Tyler’s long distance biking erupted, the Campbell family would chauffeur and travel with Tyler to all of his BMX events.
Sherryl explained “I always tell him to always remember to pray for safety before every ride because I know that there are a lot of drivers out there who get annoyed with cyclists”, she added “I support Tyler a lot because it is something he really enjoys doing,” Any teen interested in joining the bike club can reach Tyler via email at Wrightty@npsdnj.org.
(above) Asher-Marie Coates and Tyler Campbell before their first bike
