Alternative forms of transportation take the wheel

From carpooling to skateboarding, a number of PCC students have taken it upon themselves to make getting to campus a bit more convenient by avoiding the drive to school.For a variety of reasons, students have ditched the norm-hulking bodies of metal on wheels-in exchange for a bus pass or a bicycle.

Saving money is at the very top of that list.

Some students have organized themselves in carpool groups to combat financial woes.

"It saves a lot of cash," says LJ Leyes, a health science major who carpools with three friends. "And it's convenient since we live near each other and go to the same school."

In addition to carpooling, the bus has become a very popular alternative.

"I usually take the bus instead of driving," said Xavier Romo, a history major. "Gas prices are way too high."

Though these substitutions help to alleviate students' sanity and stretch the value of a dollar, physical exercise as means of transportation has also proven to be effective.

Nathaniel Sellin is one of the many bicyclists at PCC.

Sellin took up biking when he was young, participated in track cycling, and has continued to use his vintage Benotto Modelo to get to school.

"I got into bicycle mechanics and I eventually just ignored cars," Sellin said. "Even if I did get a car, I'd still continue to bike. It's definitely a healthier alternative and it's easy to park."

Natalie Kechichian is another student who is happy without a vehicle.

"I don't have a car," Kechichian said. "But the parking sucks so I wouldn't drive anyway."

Kechichian's preferred method of transportation is her trusty skateboard.

It typically takes her 30 minutes to get to campus, and though a half hour of kick pushing seems a bit grueling, she expresses nothing but content for her skateboard.

Kyle Masui, a broadcasting major, has nine years of skateboarding under his belt.

But other than not wasting gas and saving money, Masui's reason for skateboarding to school also dovetails with pure enjoyment.

"I get to go to school and keep in shape," Masui said. "It's way more fun.