Join the crowd: Commute by bike

Conserve fuel, improve health and fitness, contribute to better air quality, eliminate parking hassles and save money.

If any of those basic benefits of bicycle commuting snag your attention, consider connecting with an enthusiastic crowd during Bike to Work Week, May 12-16.

Perks include a free breakfast, water bottle, T-shirt and a wrap-up party complete with prizes if you sign-up early online and commit to pedaling at least one day during the week.

“Virtual participants” who work from home can use a bike for errands to join the effort.

Spokane Transit provides the combo-option of busing and biking that works great for some long-distance commuters.

Rides, programs and activities are planned, and some were still being added this week.

To prepare riders for Bike to Work Week, several advance activities are planned, including:

•”Bike Commuter Night,” a free seminar conducted by diehard Spokane cycling advocate Eileen Hyatt and North Division Bicycle Shop on Monday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. The program covers bicycle traffic skills, route tips, hands-on tire changing, plus gear, clothing and lighting tips.

•Basic Biking Skills workshop, by Two-Wheel Transit on Tuesday (preregistration required).

Events during the Bike to Work Week include:

•Free bike-commuter breakfast, May 12 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Riverfront Park, sponsored by Mountain Gear.

•Spokane Public Schools are encouraging students to bike or walk to school on May 14.

•”Ayamye,” free film presentation on the Village Project, 7 p.m., May 14 at REI. The project is bringing affordable transportation to Ghana, Africa.

•Free bike maintenance clinic, 7 p.m., May 15, at REI.

•Bike in to Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent Ave., during Bike to Work Week, get a free water bottle, and enter to win other prizes.

•The wrap-up party and schwag giveaway will be May 16 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Steam Plant Grill downtown.