Nestor Rivera’s love affair with bicycles began on the sun-kissed streets of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It was the late 1970s and his uncle introduced him to the magic of two wheels by teaching him how to ride a Japanese knockoff of a Schwinn Stingray. From that moment, Nestor was smitten—exploring every corner of his community and feeling the freedom of being a kid on a bike.

But it was BMX riding that truly ignited his passion. A new kid in the neighborhood arrived with a shiny Mongoose BMX bike, and he showed Nestor the art of bunny hops, 180-degree spins, and curb jumps. By Christmas, Nestor had his own Racing Pro BMX from Western Auto. As he puts it, it was “cheap but it did its job,” and he was off ripping around town.

As he grew older, Nestor also began racing road bikes. In the late 70s, Puerto Rico had no bike lanes, so cyclists trained and raced in the narrow, shoulder-less streets with car traffic. These early experiences trained him to always be hyper aware of his surroundings and prepared him well for the bustling streets of New York City, where he lived for a time as a bike messenger.

Now based in Trenton, New Jersey, Nestor enjoys the proximity to both Pennsylvania and New York City. The Garden State offers diverse cycling opportunities, from gravel and mountain biking to BMX and road routes. Plus, he says that “the cycling culture is huge here. Love it!” By day, he works at an Amazon center to pay the bills, but his true passion lies in photography. And what better way to capture “pieces of life’s stories” than from the saddle of his trusty bicycle?

In 2009, Nestor faced a pivotal decision: he lost his car and couldn’t afford a replacement. Rather than relying solely on public transportation, he chose a different path. He embraced cycling as his primary mode of transportation, and he’s never looked back. In his words, “it keeps my mind clear, stress low and makes me happy.” The joy of pedaling also has the benefit of saving money and time. On a bike, he’s home by 6:45 pm instead of waiting for a bus that gets him home at 8:20 pm.

Nestor’s quiver of bikes reflects his adaptable lifestyle. For daily commuting, he opts for a single-speed bike from NYCB or his track frame—simple, reliable, and perfect for city streets. When longer distances beckon, he has a fleet of road bikes at his disposal. And through the cycling community, he discovered a love for off-road riding, owning both a Fuji Cross bike and a Gary Fisher Mountain bike.

His favorite cycling gear? Modern multi-tools and mini pumps. Nestor fondly remembers the days when roadside repairs required carrying a backpack full of tools, but today’s convenience brings a smile to his face.

But Nestor isn’t just a solo rider. He believes in the power of community. Volunteering with cycling organizations in the Trenton area, he gives back generously. He is on the board of Trenton Cycling Revolution and is passionate about their Community Outreach Garage (COG) that is focused on giving underserved community members access to affordable and fun transportation. To him, the bicycle isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s a tool for building a sustainable, caring community—one pedal stroke at a time.

Nestor encourages people not to view bicycles as a toy, but to see them as a vehicle and means of transportation. His advice to others is to connect with your local advocacy organizations and learn the safest routes around town. They may not be the most direct, but they typically don’t take much longer and are always more scenic and enjoyable. He always recommends a helmet, bell and lights day and night.

Nestor has never lost that feeling of freedom the bicycle first gave him in his youth. He continues to pay that passion forward each day he swings his leg over the saddle and spreads velo love throughout his community. We salute you Nestor and we full-heartedly support your manta that “time is limited on the planet so just ride, ride, ride!!!” Congratulations on becoming a Planet Bike Super Commuter.