St. George resident John Swofford belongs to a biker club. It’s not what you think: There are no Harleys or loud engines or leather jackets among this group.
In fact, this club is more of a mindset and it includes a group of fellows who commute to work each day from Staten Island to Manhattan on a bicycle. In contrast to most commuters, their trip is filled with cooling shore breezes and beautiful park views. Their trips to the office and home again serve as stress relievers and help them improve their health.
Monday through Friday, Swofford laces up his sneaker cleats, straps on his helmet, slings a backpack onto his shoulders, mounts his bike and heads down Richmond Terrace for the Staten Island Ferry. It’s the first leg of an 8-mile, 70-minute trip to his office at 49th Street and Eighth Avenue.