Alex & Kristina Walker

BICYCLING & CYCLOCROSS, TACOMA

Instagram: m.c.cyclist, downtownonthego

At A Glance

Bike commute: 21 miles (Alex); 3 miles (Kristina)
Alex announces and rides in cyclocross events
Kristina co-founded the VeloFemmes women’s cycling group & runs Downtown On the Go
2 young daughters are beginning to ride

What Makes Tacoma Special?

“We like living in this ‘big’ small town. There’s joy and satisfaction in getting to know people and participating in the community.”

Tacoma Family Takes Bikes Over Cars Any Day

Their last name is Walker but this family prefers to get around on bikes.

Dad Alex rides down 6th Ave in his signature red pants and gets muddy at cyclocross events. Mom Kristina is all about seeing more bikes around Tacoma. One of their young daughters is starting to ride, and the other enjoys the bike trailer while patiently waiting to be old enough to sit in the saddle.

Both parents bike to work as often as they can.

When he bikes, Alex’s day begins long before the first bell rings in his English class at Bonney Lake High School. It’s 21 miles from home to classroom. One way.

It’s just a 3-mile trek for Kristina, executive director of Downtown On the Go! The program offers services and resources that promote transportation options around downtown Tacoma.

The bikes are close by during the family’s free time. With summers off, Alex and the girls bike to parks, the zoo and other activities. Mom and dad have planned bike trips for their anniversaries and date nights.

“I want to make #BikeToDateNight a real thing!” Kristina said.

A Future with More Bikes

Alex sees opportunity here to grow our local bike community even more. He would love to be able to commute the entire way on trails. He dreams of owning and operating a bike-only campground, adjacent to the not-yet-completed Rainier to Ruston trail.

Kristina anticipates more trail completions and more ways to connect urban and suburban communities.

The beautiful local geography is a big reason Kristina and Alex chose to live here after they graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. They enjoy the quality of life and being involved in the community.

Passion for Sport Builds Community

Kristina has built a community through VeloFemmes, a women’s cycling group she co-founded. Volunteer leaders have kept it a fun, casual group with events like the Little Black Dress ride.

Alex has connected with people in cyclocross, a sport he’s been doing for about 10 years. He’s well-known in the local ‘cross community for his red pants and his knowledgeable, energetic approach as an event announcer.

“He’s really intense about the sport,” Kristina said.

That seems to describe whatever Alex is doing, whether it’s biking, teaching, or coaching.

“If you put in the time, with diligent focus, you get the results,” he said.

Mountain, City or Sea?

Kristina is focused on the city. “When we have urban centers that work for everyone, we help preserve the mountains and the sea,” she said.

Alex also chooses the city because he loves being close to all the hustle, bustle, activity and energy in an urban environment, and that enables his appreciation for the mountains and seas.