Gearing up for Bike to Work Week

Wed., May 12, 2010

Ian Kramer Down to Earth NW Correspondent

Bikes are affordable and produce no pollution. Riding a bike is faster than walking and provides low-impact aerobic exercise. And even though transportation surveys show that nearly half of all car trips are within several miles of home, most of us still drive to get there. Bike to Work Spokane is hoping to change this tendency, especially during Spokane’s third-annual Bike to Work Week, which kicks off May 16 with an Education Fair at River Park Square and concludes May 22. Other events during the week include a pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park May 17 and a wrap-up party at Steam Plant Grill on May 21. Last year more than 1,400 bicycle commuters participated in Bike to Work Week, and that’s just those who officially registered. Organizers hope to surpass 1,700 registrants this year. “We want people to understand is that Bike to Work Week isn’t just for hardcore bikers,” said Erika Henry, editor at Mountain Gear, a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business, and co-chair of Bike to Work Spokane, a committee of the nonprofit SpokeFest Association. “I think people have the perception that bike commuting means you have to have a fancy bike and ride every single trip, both ways, no matter the weather.” But that’s not the case. Participating in Bike to Work Week is as easy as, well, riding a bike. Every skill level and age group is encouraged to register and ride during Bike to Work Week. Professional gear is not required and your destination doesn’t have to be the workplace. “We would love to see you bike to shopping, bike to your doctor and bike to the grocery store,” said Henry. “Bike everywhere you need to go if it’s an easy, convenient thing to do. We just hope to see people using their bikes instead of their cars.” Bike to Work Week is a healthy way to show support for the environment and for alternate forms of transportation in Spokane. Riding a bike burns about 400-500 calories per hour, and fewer cars on roadways mean less traffic congestion and air pollution. According to the Worldwatch Institute, a four-mile bicycle trip keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe. “Bike commuting is a healthier alternative to single occupancy vehicles,” said Russ Nobbs, owner and founder of Rings & Things, a Spokane-based wholesale distributor of beads and jewelry components and a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business. “With our society trending towards obesity and with dwindling reserves of non-renewable oil, bike commuting is a win-win situation.” Bike to Work Week organizers are encouraging riders to register on the Bike to Work Spokane website, www.BikeToWorkSpokane.org. Registering will help the city understand the growing interest in bicycle transportation, which can potentially lead to more funds being allocated for bike-friendly infrastructure improvements. Those who register also receive a “Bicycle Benefits” helmet sticker which entitles the rider to discounts at bike-friendly businesses throughout the Spokane area. Discounts can be everything from food and drink to flowers and bike parts, and the list of supporting organizations continues to grow. These Bicycle Benefits are good all year round, not just during Bike to Work Week. North Idaho bike enthusiasts are also offering a similar program this month. Bike to Work Coeur d’Alene runs May 17-21, starting with a kick-off ride at 7:30 a.m. at Riverstone Park. Other events include a “Roots Pursuit” bicycle scavenger hunt May 22 followed by a wrap-up celebration at the Community Garden at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to participants and supporting businesses, and area bike shops will be offering free bike check-ups starting May 1.

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