Bike to Work Week Registration is now open!
In terms of my attitude toward cycling to work, I always return to something Barb Chamberlain told the Spokesman a few years ago: “I think people would be scared off if they had to change their whole life all at once. But it’s so doable, once it’s part of your routine.”
We’re all creatures of habit, and it takes a simple event like Bike To Work week to make us realize change is easily within our reach. In addition to the excellent health benefits, especially cardiovascular, I hope readers realize the impact of this alternative commuting method: Biking to work at least four days a week (presumably eight miles, round trip), would save yourself 54 gallons of gas annually and 1,140 pounds of carbon emissions.
But riding a bike is still so much fun. “It’s like being a kid again,” Chamberlain said, “if you remember when having a bike meant freedom.”
Registration is now open for Spokane Bike to Work Week, which includes a week-long team and individual Commute Challenge and activity-filled week. Bike to Work Week, a nationwide event encouraging bike commuting, occurs every year in mid-May. The event challenges participants to take trips they would usually take by car on a bicycle instead -- whether to the store, school, a meeting, work or elsewhere.
From Erika Prins at Bike To Work Week: Participants are invited to register prior to May 13th, then enter their mileage online daily to compete in the Commute Challenge. Anyone may participate by registering individually or in teams. Winners in several categories are awarded t-shirts and prizes. The week’s events, all open to the public, include: Pancake Breakfast from 7-9am on Monday, May 13th at Riverfront Park Swing by on your ride to work for pancakes provided by Mountain Gear, coffee donated by Roast House, speakers, sponsors’ booths and socializing with other bicyclists.
Energizer Stations on Wednesday morning, May 15th (and all week long) Local supporters and businesses sponsor Energizer Stations throughout the week, concentrated on Wednesday, providing snacks, coffee and other goodies to bicyclists during morning commute hours.
National Ride of Silence at 6pm Wednesday, May 15th beginning at Riverfront Park All across the country, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.
Wrap-up Celebration from 5-7pm on Friday, May 17th at NoLi Brewery Celebrate a job well done with refreshments, snacks and give-aways, and hear final updates on the Commute Challenge (which concludes Sunday, May 19th).
Visit SpokaneBikes.net for a full list of activities and to register.
