Josh Govier is our Summer Super Commuter. A lifelong resident of the Greater New York City area, Josh grew up around bikes but only began commuting seriously in 2020. Now, he’s embracing the rhythm of daily rides and the camaraderie that comes with sharing the road. For Josh, cycling offers more than just transportation—it’s a source of energy, connection, and well-being.

Born and raised in Manhattan’s Washington Heights, Josh’s love for cycling started young. At six, his dad gave him a mountain bike with strict instructions to keep it on the pavement. But Josh had other ideas. He immediately tried riding off-road at Bennett Park, the highest natural point in Manhattan—until his grandmother ran out to stop him. That moment, equal parts mischief and adventure, still makes him smile and reminds him he’s always been “a bit of a thrill seeker.”

Josh has always been involved with cycling, but the pandemic deepened his connection to it. “I am very much a Covid cyclist,” he says. In early 2020, Josh had planned to start mixed-modal commuting to work that March, but when the pandemic hit, those plans were upended. “Instead, I found myself out of a job,” he recalls. Cycling quickly became more than just transportation - it was a lifeline. Biking helped Josh reduce his auto expenses, reduce his carbon footprint and was a good replacement for his gym, which had closed. Josh’s rides began modestly with short trips to visit friends, explore nearby parks, and to grab takeout, but as Covid restrictions eased, his riding radius steadily expanded.

In 2022, Josh was back to work and had given up his car for good. He used to drive to work, but the commute was brutal - often two hours to cover less than 20 miles. As he sat in traffic, he’d watch cyclists gliding along the Hudson River Greenway and wonder what he was missing. Josh’s work in an audio-visual control room is largely sedentary, so getting in some miles before or after a long day provides a welcome daily physical and mental reset. “If I’m feeling anxious or frustrated, I’ll almost certainly find myself in a better mood after a bike ride.” he says.

Josh has found a welcoming, tight-knit cycling community in New York City - diverse in both people and riding styles. “Any kind of riding you might like to do, there’s a group of people doing it,” he says. That support encouraged him to try alley cat races, cyclocross, and long-distance brevets. Thursday Night Social Rides helped him build friendships and led to weekend adventures. He also connected with bike builders, trading parts and tools through group chats he calls “cloud-based parts bins.” Even on his commute, familiar faces often lead to spontaneous rides and conversations. For Josh, cycling isn’t just about getting around, it’s about staying connected.

Josh’s go-to commuter is a Trek 930, chosen when he gave up his car and needed a bike that could handle errands with ease. “It handles a week’s worth of groceries and performs flawlessly,” he says. For longer rides and travel, he turns to his Rodeo Labs Flaanimal for gravel and touring, and a Ritchey Road Logic Breakaway for fast, comfortable road riding. The Breakaway’s split frame lets him pack the bike into a suitcase—perfect for train travel or flights.

Josh’s advice for anyone considering bike commuting is simple: “Just give it a try.” All you need is a working bike and a backpack - though he recommends a rack or basket to avoid a sweaty back. For longer rides, he suggests pairing your trip with public transit or driving partway. Comfort is key: dress like it’s 10 degrees warmer than it is and skip the lycra. Merino wool shirts and quick-drying shorts or pants are his go-to.

Josh is proud of the extent to which his endurance has improved in such a short amount of time. When he first began commuting, he would frequently stop after only a short distance. He recently completed his first 100-mile ride during a bike packing trip this past summer, and shortly after rode the 200k PA Grand Canyon brevet, his longest ride yet.

This spring, Josh even bikepacked through Morocco with five friends, following part of the “Route of the Caravans North” from Bikepacking.com. The terrain was stunning and demanding—rock gardens flooded by recent rains made for some of the toughest riding he’s done. Long climbs taught him patience, and the kindness of people along the way made the journey unforgettable. With family roots in Morocco, the trip held special meaning. For Josh, traveling by bike is the best way to experience a place.

Josh is a staunch urbanist who believes in the power of public transit and micromobility to improve lives and protect the planet. He regularly participates in Times Up! NYC events focused on road rights and bike safety. Now that he’s developed mechanical skills, he hopes to get more involved with bike co-ops like Times Up! in Lower Manhattan and Mechanical Gardens in Brooklyn to give back to the community that’s supported him.

At 30, Josh is still early in his cycling journey, but since 2020 he’s embraced the bike as a powerful tool for commuting, connection, and exploration. Whether navigating New York City streets or riding through remote landscapes abroad, he’s discovered how cycling can transform the everyday.

Congratulations, Josh—you’re officially a Planet Bike Super Commuter