Hi,
I commute to work each day, like may other folks and my grandmother who is 90, just found out that bicycling is my of getting to work. I am 38 and work in a "white collar" profession. I have been cycling to work for a little over a year. Anyway she was so taken with the idea she called one of the local TV stations here in Philadelphia and told them about it. They contacted me and now want to do a human interest story on my commuter cycling. If they called, you would you let them do the story? Your feedback is appreciated.

As part of Bike-to-Work day, I let a film crew follow me from home to work about 10 years ago. They did a great job. The only thing I've had to deal with is the "shower scene" where they put a camera outside the shower at work and took pictures of my feet and me reaching around to get my shampoo. They didn't tell me they were going to do that and got a good reaction shot. People in my bike club still rib me about it!

Go forth and be filmed. You can do a lot of good for bicycle commuting.

If you have a chance to promote bike commuting, I'd go for it. Thanks, in advance.

Why not? It's kinda funny though, that the local news and the locals themselves find your bike commuting to be so amazing. Not that it's not cool...but only in this country would the documentary crew be called out to follow and get footage of this "extraordinarily rare and elusive species...probably once thought to be non-existent!"

Go for it, and have fun. Do put on a good show for us bike commuters though, and set a good example for those who may be considering.

If you need a script, I'm sure that someone around here would be happy to oblige.

+1

If it makes your 90 year old grandmother happy, definitely do it.

I wouldn't want to be on TV for any reason, but if you don't mind being in the public eye, go for it. I like the idea of promoting any responsible bike-related activity.

Just a side note: I haven't been here very long, but I think it's funny how different forums have such different and even opposing views of what biking should be like. Just yesterday I was poking around in the alt bikes forum and saw a thread where everyone was complaining because Coke had made a commercial featuring tall bikes. They completely trashed the guy in the promo for 'tainting their culture'. I'm glad that commuters know how to share.

I'm a bit of a hermit. So, while I would applaud anyone who would do this, no way in hell would I ever do it myself. Heck, I'm still trying to get myself to join a cycling club.

Do you commute to Center City?

Do it, and let us know so that us locals can watch it.

I find it hilarious that your grandmother called the news station to inform them of this. It's really sweet and shows how proud she is of you. I'm with the others, I think you should let them film you. I think scottmorrison did something similar a few months ago as part of bike to work week so he may have some pointers.

It would definitely be good for cycling, so the only question is whether it would be good or bad for you.

Go for it man. You don't have anything to lose.

Second that.

welcome the camera crews and then let any other cycle commuters that you know follow a similar route that this is going to happen & when & have them 'serendipitously' join along with you on your ride into work that day...then the thing becomes a social phenomenon & not just one person against the tide of the car culture.

weren't there some soft drink commercials (like Dr. Pepper?) where a whole crowd gathered in the street to promote being a 'Pepper'? Why couldn't the documentary happen to film 3 or 6 or 10 slowly joining together in a long line of 'Commuters'?

If nothing else, it would be a great oppurtunity to remind the wonderful people of Pennsylvania that cyclists have a right to use the whole lane on the roadway, not whatever small or large amount of pavement might appear to the right of the white stripe. If we move right, it's because we are being courteous so don't be a prick as you pass

I'll probably get to see the story on my local news so if you do it, please keep us informed. I never watch the news but I would make an exception for this story.

Since your Grandma called it in, you have to do it. Don't forget to say Hi to Grandma when on camera!

Rent a tandem, when the reporter and cameraman show up, nod in the direction of the tandem and say, "That's for you two. Ready to roll?".

THERE is the right response. +1

Grab the opportunity.

If you're not sure about it make sure that you don't let the opportunity go past. If you don't like the idea of being a 'TV star' make sure you find another commuter they can use for the story.