Thanks to Josiah for being willing to share his active mobility perspective with us as our Oct 2026 interviewee! We hope that you are inspired to participate in Week Without Driving and to continue to find ways to replace short errands, car trips, and help the planet by choosing greener options!
My name is Josiah. I work at Angletech which is an adaptive-centric bicycle shop that has been in business since 1993. I have worked in the bicycle industry for 19 years. These days, I mostly use my OneWheel to get around and only cycle on occasion. To me, any mode of transportation that is an alternative to driving a car is something that should be embraced.
I use a OneWheel because it is a very bicycle-like experience. It is compact, quiet, easy to control, requires virtually no maintenance, and goes a maximum speed of 20mph. It is completely hands-free, which makes it great for carrying things, or doing various chores such as taking out the trash. Quite often, I will use it to make adjustments on bicycles while they are in motion. Most importantly, it is a mode of transport that helps connect me with the surrounding environment and absorb the world around in a meaningful way.
What are the pros/cons of using active transportation modalities?
I think walking is the most natural form of transport. However for some folks who are living with physical limitations, it is not practical. For a commute more than a few miles, it makes more sense to be traveling above 10mph using some form of micromobility device.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your active mobility experiences in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs?
Having designated and separated bike lanes and trails are best for all humans who are trying to get around. Even people who only drive and do not use micromobility would benefit from more infrastructure and walkable areas of the city. I think many laws around micromobility are very reactive and do not recognize the core of what it means to have safety and security for all humans while riding.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation a try but does not have much time or money?
Do your research and find out what will work best for you in terms of reliability and safety. Once you make a selection, spend some time slowly getting familiar with your choice and build confidence before you start getting on the road and trails with other riders. Remember the ultimate rule when riding: don’t be a jerk!
What advice can you give micromobility users?
When I lived in Houston, I did not own a car for 9 years and only traveled by bicycle. If you have ever taken a defensive driving class, riding on the streets with cars should be a more intense version of this. Never assume what other drivers are planning to do, and if you don’t make eye contact assume they do not see you at all!
Is there anything else you think we should know about you that would inspire others to try active transportation?
We live in an ever-changing world where new ways of transport are popping up all the time. This trend should be embraced instead of actively fought against. Some of these devices will be around forever, and some will go away. What is important is finding conditions for transportation that we can all agree are safe and comfortable, and kinder to the planet.
If a micromobility device has a safe speed limit, is under a certain weight, can stop within a reasonable distance, is quiet and has a certification for battery safety, it should be allowed. These are rules that can cover all future micromobility devices.