Press Release
May is Bike to Work Month
Event is geared to encourage you try a bicycle for your commute
May 3, 2012: National Bike to Work Month is underway! “Bike to Work Month” is a national event which attempts to raise bicycle awareness and encourage more people to ride their bicycle for their commute…at least once.
During the month citizens are encouraged to ride to work as many times as possible. Friday the 18th marks the official “Bike to Work Day.” According to Patrick Walker, Bicycle/Pedestrian Transportation Planner, for the Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council, “If there is one day that you choose to commute by bicycle, this month make it Friday May 18th!”
Here are a few reasons to give it a try:
- Bicycling is great form of moderate exercise; you can use your commute to improve your health.
- Bicycling is the most efficient form of transportation, which is good for the environment and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
- Bicycling saves you money which gives you more disposable income, which you can put into savings or spend supporting local businesses.
- Bicycling is just plain fun and makes you smile, which is good for stress reduction.
From 7 am to 9 am on Friday the 18th local businesses and members of the Regional Bike Advisory Board will help celebrate bicycle commuting in the Valley at two separate “Bike Commuter Appreciation Station” locations. Along with some refreshments commuters can spend a little time checking out the proposed bike network for the Bicycle Master Plan, get a free bike safety check or quick bike fit, and be entered into a raffle to win some great Bicycle Commuter gear from Arlberg Sports. “It’s meant to be a quick drop in kind of thing,” Walker explained.
Walker says this event helps promote his work to develop a more bicycle friendly Wenatchee Valley. According to the League of American Bicyclists (LAB); Washington State has been ranked number one in the nation for bicycle friendliness since 2009. “None of our local cities or towns has yet to receive a designation from the LAB, which is what we are working towards.” Walker said.
“When you commute by bike it’s important to be visible and safe,” Walker said. “On my bicycle I have a small headlight and flashing taillight, which I use day or night. If it’s a short trip, a helmet is all you need.”
Potential bike commuters should know how to dress for their commute and safely ride their bike on the road; your local bike shop can help with this and get your bike ready to go as well. Walker pointed out that there are many additional resources for folks who would like to commute by bicycle. Google Maps provides a bicycle route tab in their directions, WSDOT has a “bicycle commuting tips and resources page” and anyone can contact Walker to inquire as to a recommended route for their local commute.
“Everyone should try it once, if they can.” Walker said. “It’s good for our health, good for the environment, helps reduce traffic congestion, helps reduce stress, saves money and it’s really fun. And most of all the weather in the Wenatchee Valley is ideal for commuting by bicycle three seasons of the year!”
Bicycle Commuter Appreciation Station Details:
Date/Time: Friday May 18th 7am-9am
East Wenatchee: Bottom of 9th Street @ Pipeline Bridge
Commuters can stop for a free Bike Safety Check provided by Bruce’s Mobile Bike Werks.
Wenatchee: Corner of 1st Street and Wenatchee Ave.
Commuters can get a free quick Bike Fit Check from Arlberg Sports.
Everyone who stops by one of the stations by bicycle will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes donated by Local Bike Shops and have come coffee and treats to fuel their commute. Stop by both and be entered twice!
The Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council (WVTC) serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization and develops transportation improvement plans designed to meet the region’s projected economic and population growth looking 20 years into the future. The Regional Bicycle Advisory Board is a volunteer citizen advisory committee to the WVTC that informs bicycle and pedestrian transportation issues in the Wenatchee Valley Urban Area.
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Monday, May 14, 2012 at 3:17PM