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The Alliance Gold Team is still rocking it in the 2 Mile Challenge, with members logging more than 10,000 miles of bicycle travel in the past week alone. We wouldn’t be in first place if it weren’t for dedicated folks across the country who have replaced car trips with bicycle travel and are putting their efforts toward winning the Alliance a $35,000 grant from CLIF Bar. To get to know these bike commuters and enthusiasts a little better, we’re doing 2-minute interviews with some 2 Mile Challenge participants.

Last week, we kicked it off by catching up with Pete “Dirt” Beers, a bike commuter in Virgina. This week, we spoke to Julie Viens, a senior designer living in Van Nuys, CA. Julie has racked up nearly 1,500 points, pedaling more than 2,600 miles, avoiding 675 car trips and keeping 2,430 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

What was the first car trip you replaced with a bicycle?
A trip to the grocery store. Once I realized how simple it was to replace a car with a bicycle, basket and backpack I began rethinking how I could navigate the city.

Why do you ride instead of drive?
Traffic in Los Angeles is nuts, then trying to find a parking spot can get crazy and expensive. It’s so much easier to ride a bike.

What’s your favorite two-mile trip
(Though this is always much longer than a 2-mile trip) Riding my bike to catch my favorite food truck, Lake Street Creamery.

Why did you take the 2 Mile Challenge?
The 2 Mile Challenge starts right as some of the organized rides I like to do finish. It keeps me on the bike, and out of excuses, when I am not training for a particular course.

If you could make two changes to make your community more bike friendly, what would they be?
First, I would add more bicycle friendly rail cars to the Metro system. Secondly, initiate a voucher/coupon system to help buy/provide bicycle helmets for kids and adults.

Join Julie and Pete- Take the 2 Mile Challenge today!