Use Bus Racks on Bike to Work Day, May 16

News Articles
05/10/2002

Bicycling can help improve the health of all Bay Area residents – not just those pushing pedals. Opting for a bicycle instead of a car can decrease the amount of automobile exhaust polluting the air, meaning better air quality for everyone.

Nearly all AC Transit buses ( except small vans used on a limited number of lines), are now equipped with easy-to-use bike racks. Using AC Transit can extend a bicyclist’s range and reduce pollution.

Helping to get out this message is RIDES for Bay Area Commuters (the nonprofit organization that operates the region’s rideshare program), local bicycle coalitions, businesses and volunteers. They are working together to host the eighth annual Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 16. This year’s theme is “To Your Health.”

Bike to Work Day encourages individuals to try bicycling to work as a healthy, fun, inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to driving. Commuters can win prizes, including a Napa weekend getaway, by riding their bike to work at least one day during the week of May 13-17.

Individuals who can’t pedal all the way to the office can try biking to transit. Prizes will be awarded randomly to individuals who submit a brief form to RIDES. Entries must be received by May 24 and winners will be announced on www.btwd.org on May 31.

“Energizer stations,” spots where bicyclists can register for prizes and grab a quick snack and encouragement, will be set up around the Bay Area the morning of May 16. More than 150 stations will be available and are hosted by bicycle coalitions, cities, businesses and volunteers.

Visit www.btwd.org for listings of Bike to Work Day “energizer stations,” to register to win prizes and for information on local bicycle coalitions or call (800) 755-7665 or 817-1717 and press 3.

Major sponsors of Bike to Work Day in the Bay Area include ANG Newspapers, BART, Clear Channel Outdoor, KKSF and STAR 101.3.

Bike to Work Day is an annual event sponsored by Bay Area organizations and is the local celebration of the California Bicycle Coalition’s California Bike Commute.