GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY, (August 20, 2008) —What started out as a desire to get fit, prompted one TMMK team member to reduce his carbon footprint, keep some extra cash in his wallet and enjoy a scenic RIDE to work.

Three days a week, depending on the weather and his schedule, Facilities Control-Engineering Assistant Manager Randy Sinkhorn parks his Toyota Sienna and trades it in for his Fischer 24-speed bike. He lives about 2 blocks from downtown Georgetown and estimates his 5.5 mile bike ride to works takes him about 22 minutes.

Sinkhorn has been bicycling for about four years, but admits his push towards pedal power didn’t kick into high gear until this summer when his department initiated a fitness challenge. “I had always enjoyed bicycling, but most of my exercise came from hours spent at the Fitness Center,” Sinkhorn explained. “When challenge was issued I thought it would be a great time to incorporate the two, and save on the workout time spent at the gym.”

Throughout this summer, Sinkhorn has also seen the price at the gas pump reach record levels. He stated, “Saving on gas money has been an unexpected side-effect of biking to work. While I didn’t originally start biking to work for that reason, it makes me feel great that I am doing my part to help the environment.” Sinkhorn added, “Every little bit helps and if other team members see that it can be done, I absolutely recommend for anyone who lives and commutes in the Georgetown area to give it a try.”

In addition to keeping more cash in his wallet, Sinkhorn can come up of a list of other perks that come along with bike treks to work. “One of the prettiest sites in the morning is the sun coming up over Cherry Blossom Golf course.”

He also notes that TMMK makes it easy to bike to work. “There are showers and locker rooms where you can change once you get to work. Bikes can be locked up near the turnstiles and the parking lots are very clearly marked.” Sinkhorn has also observed that his fellow team members are supportive of his alternative ride. “All the drivers here at TMMK really respect bikes on the road and have been very courteous.” And it looks like some safety techniques learned at work also apply on the road, “I’ve even started using “Stop, Look and Call” to let folks know which way I am going.”

######

Contact:
Kerry Holt
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
502-868-3577