Bike to Work Day has grown into a widespread event with countless bicyclists taking to the streets nationwide in an effort to get commuters to try bicycling to work as a healthy and safe alternative to driving alone. In the Metropolitan Washington region, Bike to Work Day has grown from a small group of a few hundred in 2001 to over 12,000 participants in 2012. This year the annual Bike to Work Day will be held on Friday, May 17th. Rain or shine!
Registration for the metropolitan Washington region’s annual Bike to Work Day 2013 on Friday, May 17 is now open at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. This year’s Bike to Work Day will be bigger than ever with more than a dozen new pit stops added, for a total of 72 in the region — District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia – offering cyclists refreshments, entertainment and giveaways as part of the celebration. Bike to Work Day, organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), prompts thousands of area commuters to bicycle to work to highlight and promote this clean commute option.
“Bike to Work Day is a great way to promote bicycling as an alternative to driving alone to work. Ten percent of BTWD participants reported that they started cycling to work after participating in their first BTWD event,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections. “And it encourages those who already bike, to do it more often. More than 20 percent of BTWD participants say cycling is now a regular part of their commutes.”
Last year there were 12,700 registrants, and coordinators expect registration will again break records as novice and experienced cyclists join together to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy and wallet-friendly commute alternative. The first 12,000 registrants will receive free Bike to Work Day t-shirts made by the top screen printing company at the pit stop of their choice and become eligible to win great prizes such as Jamis bicycles. Registration and event details including pit stop locations, sponsor information and how to join a convoy are at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.
There will be great events with “pit stops” in many places around the D.C. area. There will be one at College Park City Hall. The pit stops have free food, bike repairs, raffles, and other exciting activities.