Over 100,000 new and seasoned bicycle commuters are expected to pedal to work on Thursday, May 10, as part of the 24th annual Bay Area Bike to Work Day. With some 400 energizer stations scattered throughout the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties, riders can fuel themselves with refreshments, respite and encouragement from thousands of volunteers. Local bike groups and employers are planning a range of activities throughout the day and into the evening, including onsite events and after-work happy hours. Local elected officials — including several commissioners from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the presenting sponsor of the event — will do their part by cycling to their offices or encouraging bicyclists at energizer stations on May 10.
“I’ve been an avid cyclist for years and can attest to the benefits of commuting by bike,” said MTC Chair and Rohnert Park Councilmember Jake Mackenzie. “It’s great exercise, reduces pollution and greenhouse gases and I can enjoy the scenery on my way to work.”
This year, as a way to get more people to commute by bike across the Bay Area, a new challenge is being launched that builds on the previous Team Bike Challenge. Using an easy-to-navigate, colorful and encouraging platform called “Love to Ride,” this year’s Bay Area Bike Challenge takes place for the entire month of May – national Bike Month. The platform allows participants of all abilities to ride as individuals or on teams, record their rides, see their stats stack up, receive positive reinforcing messages (with a mild dose of humor), set goals, compete against friends and coworkers on teams (if they so choose) and earn incentives and rewards. Participants pair their mileage-recording apps to the platform, and can post photos, comments and more to keep the excitement going. In addition, Love to Ride is being used around the world and across the US, and as a result is also part of the National Bike Challenge. Bay Area participants are automatically part of the National Challenge, and can compete for great prizes as a result. And, if they use Ride Report, a sponsor of Bike to Work Day 2018, not only will their data be entered automatically (manual entry is required with apps such as Strava, MapMyRide, etc.) but also their miles become part of the data collected for regional cities and towns as they plan for future biking infrastructure, safety, etc.
Additionally, Chipotle will be sponsoring a 2-for-1 promotion at all its Bay Area restaurants on Bike to Work Day. Participants just need to show their bike helmet or Bike to Work Day canvas bag at any Chipotle on May 10 from 10:45 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. to qualify for the 2-for-1 deal.
San Mateo County residents and workers also will want to take advantage of Commute.org’s 2018 Commuter Challenge, in which users who log “Green” Trips during the months of April and May will have a chance to win weekly prizes. Any bicycle trips logged during Bike Week (May 7-11) will be entered to win a special Bike Commuter Prize Pack (valued at $200), which includes a commuter bag, bicycle lock and more.
The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is offering a free clinic to help you get ready for BTWD on Saturday, April 28, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at their office at 750 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. Certified instructors will provide free bike safety inspections, lead safety drills and offer advice on route planning and gear, as well as provide helmet fits and minor bike adjustments. Coffee, snacks and free bicycle maps will be available.
While much of the focus during Bike to Work Week in the Bay Area is on Bike to Work Day, many activities will take place throughout the region all month long, including free bike repair workshops, bike safety classes and group rides.
