Bay Area Bike to Work Day - Thursday, May 14

Thu., May 14, marks the San Francisco Bay Area's 15th annual Bike to Work Day. Over 150,000 commuters are expected to put their feet to the bike pedal. Across the nation, many more will commute by bike for the entire month of May to celebrate National Bike Month.

"We hope Bike to Work Day inspires more people to ride their bikes for everyday transportation," says Andrew Casteel, Bike to Work Day event coordinator. "Commuting by bicycle is a simple solution to many complex problems. It keeps you physically active, reduces pollution, saves money, and most importantly, it's fun!"

Ron Bishop, an ardent bicyclist and member of the Northern Alameda Group Executive Committee, was a member of Oakland's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which was the core group organizing what was apparently the first official city-sanctioned Bike to Work Day in May 1994. "It still amazes me how quickly we managed to get Council approval, make tee shirts and posters, get out publicity, and host the event, including the traditional pancake breakfast in downtown Oakland." The event went statewide in 1995. Last year it was held in about 37 states plus Washington DC - and is still growing.

Ron reminds you that "Bike to Work Day is your opportunity to support safe streets for cyclists and everyone."

To help people make the change to commuting by bicycle, area Bike to Work Day events will be taking place throughout May. On May 14, volunteers will staff hundreds of "energizer stations" along bike commute routes in all nine Bay Area counties to provide cyclists with complimentary treats, a reusable goodie bag, bicycle information, and good cheer!

Sign up for the Bike to Work Day raffle and pledge to bike to work, school, or play at least once during May for your chance to win a new bike or one of many other prizes. The Team Bike Challenge provides an opportunity for more experienced riders and new bicycle commuters to team up to save money and reduce pollution. Participants track their bike trips throughout May as they compete against other teams to log the most bicycle trips for their chance to win prizes.

For more information - and to register - see http://511.org or call 511 and say "bicycling".

To help folks get ready for Bike to Work Day, Ron Bishop will be teaching a bike-safety class, sponsored by the Northern Alameda County Group, at the Chapter Office, 2530 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley, on Tue., May 5, from 11:30 - 1:00. Feel free to bring your lunch.