What is Bike-to-Work Day?

What is Bike-to-Work Day? Bike-to-Work day, as the name implies, encourages people to ride their bike to work. Practiced on the 3^rd Friday of May in both the United States and Canada. The Bike-to-Work Day is the brainchild of the League of American Bicyclists. This event started in 1956. What began as national Bike-to Work day has expanded to having the month of May as, National Bike month. Bicycle advocacy groups from the national level to the local level are encouraging people to give riding a bike to work a try.

Bike trails and lanes are becoming increasingly popular across both Canada and the USA. At this same time, there is more congestion on the roads. However, commuting to work can be a safe and viable option. Car drivers are encouraged to remember to share the road with their fellow commuters, whose choice of transportation is by bike.

Why Commute to Work by Bike

*Bicycle commuting is a great way to incorporate exercise into a busy day.

* Bicycle commuting saves money on fuel costs and auto repair.

* Bicycle commuting has a low carbon foot print; it's good for the earth.

* Bicycle commuting decreases highway congestion.

* Bicycle commuting decreases noise pollution.

*Bicycle commuters have cost associated with the purchase and maintenance of their vehicles than their driving counterparts.

*Bicycle commuters can enjoy the freedom and joy one experiences while riding a bike on the open road.

Bike Safety

When biking, your bike is considered a vehicle so you need to obey the rules of the road. Bikers must obey the rules of the road to operate legally. Remember, the rules are there to help keep you safe. Make certain you are able to be spotted by those with whom you share the road. Wearing fluorescing clothing to makes you more visible to the non-biking commuters. Have lights on your bike as well and remember to use turn-signals. Biking to work can be safe. To bike, safely be it by a bike or motorcycle, wear a helmet. Nurses call those who choose to commute by bike, be it by whatever form of bike, and refer to the helmet-less as organ donors! Improve your bike helmet; if your vehicle doesn't have a provided a mirror to see is behind you¸ make certain you add one to your headgear.

Research Study Results

Parkwood Research Associates conducted a study, for Rodale Press, in 1995. Participants compared travel by foot, bike and auto. They were then asked, what type of vehicle they would choose as their primary means of travel if, "all things being equal, and if good facilities for each existed, which of these means would you prefer the most"? The number of people who stated that they would choose biking or walking increased from 5%-13%; while the percentage of people driving alone fell from 76 % to 56%.

The League of American Bicyclists has a website that has information concerning how to commute safely. They also are the go-to-site to find out about what events may be taking place in your local area. That website is http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/ .

Sources:
Pathways for People, Rodale Press
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/