Drive less, retire earlier? How going car-lite played a role in Brian's journey.

In just a few weeks, Brian will retire and spend his time building MTB trails in his backyard and advocating for a more bike-friendly Raleigh. Not bad. Read on for an awesome interview with BPAC Committee Chair, Brian Thomas.

Cameron Zamot: Let's get to it. Where did you come from, and where are you now?

Brian Thomas: Sure! My wife and I have lived in Raleigh since 1994. We moved down from the Northern Virginia and DC suburbs, and Raleigh’s been home for the past 30 years. It was a fantastic decision. Honestly, we’ve lived here longer than anywhere else—longer than you’ve probably been alive, Cameron!

Cameron: Most likely. I remember you mentioning something about the University of Florida. What’s the story there?

Brian: I was born in Gainesville, Florida, and even started college there. We moved to Northern Virginia at some point, but I always wanted to go back to Gainesville. I began college there in the late ’80s but ended up finishing at George Mason University in Virginia, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Later, I got my master’s in English at NC State.

Cameron: How was it growing up in Gainesville?

Brian: It’s funny looking back. In third grade, I rode my bike to school, which seems wild now considering how far it was and the lack of safety measures. But yeah, I biked everywhere, and my parents just let me do it. Thinking about Gainesville’s layout, I can’t believe it was even possible.

Cameron: Small world. In undergrad I lived on Northwest 23rd Ave, near the bend. Let’s shift back to Raleig, though – You’ve been here for decades. What’s your story since moving here?

Brian: I wanted to go to grad school and there were lots of options in the area. I got into NC State’s English program and shortly after, my wife started working for the State in what's now the Department of Environmental Quality. We did the usual life stuff: bought our first house—it was $88,000, which sounds crazy now. Later, we bought three acres through a tax foreclosure auction near Carolina Pines Park, built a house there in 2003, and that’s been home ever since.

I worked at RTI International but found the stress and commute too much. In 2006, I took a job at NC State to be closer to home and spend more time with family. We have one son, who’s now 19 and a sophomore at Auburn University. He’s an Eagle Scout, and we’re proud parents. Now, I'm looking at retirement! March 1st, to be exact. Looking forward to diving into more community-focused projects.

Cameron: What’s your journey been like regarding bikes?

Brian: I’ve always biked—as a kid, in high school, to grad school. When my son was young, I rode less because life was busy. Around 2016, I got back into it after learning about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which highlighted biking’s benefits—financial, environmental, and personal health.

I realized biking improved my mood and cut down on expenses. I even started racing after a health issue in 2023. I’ve done a handful of races, got a carbon gravel bike, and hired a coach. I’m training for events like Midsouth in Oklahoma and hope to get into Unbound Gravel next year.

Cameron: That’s a lot! Besides the races, any big projects you have going on?

Brian: We have three acres on a dead-end street, bordering city-owned and private land. Since driving to nearby places often required a long, roundabout route, I decided to build trails. I used my tractor to make a trail to Carolina Pines Park and another to Evergreen Avenue, which is also a dead end. There’s a creek back there, and I even built a bridge over it. It’s not entirely legal, so don’t tell the city!

We’ve seen tons of wildlife back there—deer, hawks, a coyote. It’s a great spot to ride, train, and just enjoy nature. We should totally host a race there someday.

Cameron: I'm down. Let’s talk about your civic involvement. How did you get started?

Brian: It began with Oaks and Spokes events, where I found a great community. A neighbor encouraged me to join Raleigh’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), and in 2020 or 2021, I was nominated. The city expanded the commission to include me and two other qualified candidates, which was awesome.

On BPAC, we advise the city on biking and pedestrian infrastructure. It’s advisory, so while we don’t have direct power, we push for progress. I’ve also been involved with the Greenway Committee, advocating for faster improvements—though some projects, like restriping bike lanes on Hillsborough Street, feel slow. Still, I’m optimistic.

Cameron: For readers who want to get involved, what’s your advice?

Brian: Join group rides through Oaks and Spokes, Oak City Cycling, or Greenway Gear Collective. Introduce yourself to others on the rides—it’s a welcoming way to connect. Become a member of these groups or attend BPAC meetings, which are typically the third Monday of the month at 6 PM in council chambers. Public input is invaluable.

Another group to check out is Friends of the Raleigh Greenway (FROG). They’re organizing events, like a spring scavenger hunt along the greenways, to encourage exploration. There are so many ways to make an impact.

Cameron: Brian, this has been fantastic. Any final thoughts?

Brian: Thanks for the opportunity! I’m excited to see how Raleigh continues to grow and improve. The bike community here is strong, and I’m grateful to be part of it. Let’s keep building momentum.