Friday, May 9, 2008
Bike to Work Day - May 16
Next Friday, May 16 is Bike to Work Day. Click on the above title bar to be directed to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association site which gives detailed information including the locations of the 26 pit stops all over the DC area. Reduce your carbon footprint and get a good workout in at the same time!
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Hello,
I am writing on behalf of the Bike to Work Day 2008 team. This year's event will be held Friday, May 16. Bike to Work Day coincides perfectly with Bicycling magazine's recent ranking of D.C. as the nation's most improved city for bicycling.
We are excited about that designation AND the fact that more and more employers are providing amenities that encourage their employees to bike to work or embrace other commuting options to reduce solo-driving.
In light of soaring gas prices and the harmful effects of car emissions on the environment, bicycling presents a less inexpensive and more environmentally-friendly commuting option. D.C.-area companies are doing their part to keep the bicycle-friendly title by offering bike racks, showers and lockers and even financial incentives for employees.
According to an April 8, 2008 Entrepreneur.com article, bicycling is gaining appeal as a means of commuting to and from work.(http://entrepreneur.com/humanresources/compensationandbenefits/article192384.html)
Employers such as American University, Marriott International, Calvert Group and ICF are ahead of the game and show their commitment to improving the air quality in the Washington, D.C. region by promoting commute alternatives such as bicycling and mass transit.
I hope you will share our excitement about Bike to Work Day and the importance on promoting commuting options that help better the air quality in the Washington, D.C. region.
Please find a media advisory pasted below this message. Our VIPS confirmed are Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Kwame Brown, DC Director of the Office of Planning Harriet Tregoning. Mayor Adrian Fenty (invited).
___________________________________
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Eric Gilliland (WABA) 202-518-0524 • Lauren Udwari (COG) 202-962-3209
Bike to Work and Be a Spoke for Change
7,000 WILL RIDE FOR CLEANER AIR FRIDAY, MAY 16
WHO: Mayor Adrian Fenty, other elected officials and dignitaries will join thousands of area bicyclists as they bike to work in an effort to reduce drive-alone commuting and improve air quality in the Washington metropolitan region.
WHAT: Bike to Work Day 2008, a free event co-sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). Bike to Work Day champions bicycling as an option to drive-alone commuting, which is a leading contributor to The event is held annually to cap off National Bike to Work Week.
WHEN: Friday morning, May 16, 2008 (times vary by location)
WHERE: 26 “pit stop” locations in the region: Downtown Washington D.C. Maryland - Bethesda, Bowie (2), College Park, Frederick, Hyattsville, National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, Rockville (2), Silver Spring and Waldorf. Virginia - Alexandria, Arlington (2), Dulles, Fairfax (2) Leesburg, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Tysons Corner and Vienna.
BACKGROUND:
Bicycling is a healthy and cost-efficient alternative to drive-alone commuting. Commuting by bike helps reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. That is why Commuter Connections is again partnering with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) to encourage bicycling to work in the Washington region Because May is national Bike Month and Clean Air Month, it is an opportune time to bring awareness to the issue of drive-alone commuting and its damaging affects on air quality and traffic congestion.
Cyclists will celebrate at 25 “pit stop” locations in the Washington region where food, giveaway items, entertainment, and chances to win bicycles and other valuable prizes will be offered. Riders who register online at www.waba.org by May 9th will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-Shirt and each registrant will be entered into a drawing to win one of several bicycles or health club memberships, valued up to $1,000. Also, 21 bicycle commuter “convoys,” led by experienced cyclists, will guide riders as they roll in to downtown D.C.’s Freedom Plaza for a fun-filled kick-off rally.
Visit www.waba.org for information on Bike to Work Day 2008 including pit stop locations, convoy routes and online registration.
Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Departments of Transportation as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation. Commuter Connections promotes bicycling to work and other alternatives to drive-alone commuting, and provides ride-matching for carpools and vanpools and offers the free Guaranteed Ride Home program. Commuter Connections is funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and U.S. Departments of Transportation.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association creates a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.
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