---

How photographer Alex Suriyuth made his bike an indispensable work tool.

By Etuviere Mrakpor

---

There has been a growing interest in active transportation in recent years. The reasons for this are many, but concern about the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly pushed sustainability to the top of many minds. 

For journalists now working from home, active transportation has also forced them to
find experimental ways to tell their stories. And for some, this has also led to the addition of bicycle helmets and a camera to cover the changing world around them.

Freelance photojournalist Alec Suriyuth weaves effortlessly through Vancouver traffic on his teal rocky mountain hybrid bike—his camera strapped on his back and his eyes staring intensely for gaps between cars.

For his work in photojournalism, Suriyuth chooses a bicycle for his main form of transportation for many reasons—the key one being how quickly it allows him to get to his destination. 

“I think for starters it has to make sense,” he says. “I suppose you could call it a bit of selfishness, because I want to be on the bike more,” he says. “But have you ever tried finding parking in the city?”

Suriyuth is passionate about mobility and energy conservation. With a focus on sustainability and energy consumptions in buildings, his day job (outside of freelance photography) involves helping companies reduce their emissions.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about this stuff,” he says. “I think we need to reduce our impact on the environment as much as we can.” 

Another reason for Suriyuth’s love for biking to work: The mobility allows him to experience the city and build story ideas.

“The ease that you can stop, shoot, talk to people and quickly be on your way is great,” he says. “I think people also relax much more when it’s just someone on a bike that rolls up to you.”

The bicycle has been the natural vehicle of choice for Suriyuth. Being close enough to work, and having a good channel of bike lanes, he reaches for his bike before even thinking of taking the car for a drive. 

“The versatility of the bicycle is something to be admired,” says Suriyuth.