Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bike to Work Events Across North America

On Friday May 20th communities all across North America took part in Bike to Work Day. These events help to raise awareness about environmental and other benefits associated with cycling rather than driving. Many events took place including free breakfasts and biking information seminars and events. Here are some examples:

Washington DC

Organizers of Washington’s Bike to Work event said more 10,000 riders participated this year. In addition to Bike to Work Day, a 20-mile community ride is also planned for Sunday May 22. Sunday’s ride begins on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol, heads up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House and across the Potomac River into Virginia. Riders will pass sights such as Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon before heading back into Washington.

Newport

The City of Newport celebrated Bike to Work Day, starting with a breakfast for bicycle commuters at Great Friends Meeting House. There was a press Conference on the steps of City Hall at 1 PM. At 4 PM there was a Community Bike Ride City Loop beginning at Great Friends Meeting House. In the evening a Bike Fair was held which included awards, a parade, bicycle registration, bike maintenance demos, bicycle safety, and an art auction.

Anchorage

Hundreds of people in Anchorage took part in the national Bike to Work Day and more than 170 businesses registered to take part in the event, and city officials said at least 400 people commuted to work on a bicycle. Several replenishment stations throughout the city fed hungry riders on their way to work. Two engineering firms, CRW Engineering Group and DOWL HKM, provided free drinks and snacks. Steve Noble, vice president of DOWL HKM said, “The nice thing about them is it increases the visibility of the bike to work stations. You don't just see the people riding down to work. You see the stations and that kind of draws your attention to it and says, oh this is being supportive in the community and so it's nice to see it popping up all over town with the businesses supporting them and getting more and more people riding to work, not just on Bike to Work Day, but everyday.”


Mississauga


In Ontario Canada, thousands of cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day. In Mississauga participants were provided with a free breakfast. Organizers also gave away prizes for a bike/train weekend getaway, a mountain bike valued at $500, bike accessories and free safety tune-ups. The event was organized by Smart Commute, an initiative of Metrolinx and the municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. “Riding in a group encourages novice cyclists to participate and makes cyclists more visible to motorists. Organized rides also show motorists that cycling is a viable alternative to driving,” said Glenn Gumulka, executive director of Smart Commute Mississauga. The organization is celebrating five years of decreasing greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions. Their efforts have succeeded in reducing GHGs by 1.5 million kilograms, they have helped save $3.5 million in commuter costs and they have reduced vehicle travel by 6.9 million kilometers through their sustainable transportation programs. “We have grown exponentially over the past five years and have made tremendous strides in reducing single-occupancy vehicle travel,” said Gumulka.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Related Posts
The BIXI Bike Rental System
Bike to Work Day - A Growing Movement
Bike to Work Day

No comments:

Post a Comment