Washington state is known for its wonderful scenery and more friendlier cycling atmosphere. In preparation of Bike Month in May the city of Spokane has already set the dates for Bike to Work Week. The dates will be May 11-15 so prepare your bike and clothing stash for this week in mid May.. An example of this is the Commuter Challenge presented by Group Health. With a good group of sponsors I hope the prizes might inspire some other folks to ride!
Spokane, WA – Building on the success of last year’s Bike To Work Week that featured 952 registered participants, organizers announced today that Bike To Work Week 2009 is set for May 11-15.
“Last year exceeded our expectations, and we look for 2009 to be even better,” said volunteer committee chair Barb Chamberlain, who also works as director of communications for WSU Spokane.
Bike to Work Week 2008 featured well-attended events such as the kick-off breakfast, a walk & roll to school day and the wrap-up party. In total, during Bike to Work Week participants avoided more than 11,500 vehicle miles by riding their bikes.
“For 2009 we will bring back the events that were so successful last year as well as add new programs before and during Bike To Work Week,” said Chamberlain.
New events for Bike To Work Week this year will include an Education Fair on Sunday, May 10, The Commuter Challenge presented by Group Health, bike commuting work-shops and commuter energizer stations located around the city.
Bike commuting provides benefits to commuters, employers and the community as a whole. Commuters can be healthier, save on transportation expenses and enjoy the trip to and from work. Employers benefit by having healthier, happier employees, lower health care costs and a new federal tax break under the Bicycle Commuter Act. And, the community benefits from less vehicle traffic, less pollution and a healthier population.
Bike To Work Week is supported by the following sponsors: The REI Foundation, Group Health and Unico Properties and OutThere Monthly.
Bike to Work Spokane is organized by a volunteer committee as a project of the SpokeFest Association, in partnership with the City of Spokane Advisory Board and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The goal of Bike to Work Spokane is to increase awareness and participation in bicycle commuting.