Bike 2 Work Day 2008 offers literary twist

Next year's B2W Day in Carbondale will feature blogger David More's 'blook', Carbondale After Blog, which will be launched on that day in May with a book-signing and reading from the chapter on Bike 2 Work Day.

More riders in more cities (a sample)

Google News Alert for: "bike to work day"

Hundreds Participate in Bike to Work Day
KHNL-TV/KHBC/KOGG - Honolulu,HI,USA
By Tracy Gladden HONOLULU (KHNL) -- Cyclists from around Oahu put on their spandex and riding gloves and meet downtown to celebrate Bike to Work Day. ...
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Bike to Work day draws encouraging turnout
Herald Zeitung - New Braunfels,TX,USA
By Georgia Fisher The city’s first Bike to Work Day was a success, coordinators said. With the help of Roots and Shoots New Braunfels and the Parks and ...
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Bike to Work Day accident claims life of bicyclist
San Jose Mercury News - CA, USA
AP An accident on Bike to Work Day has claimed the life of a San Mateo man who rode his bicycle to work every day. Authorities say 66-year-old Joseph ...
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Wet Weather Doesn't Hamper Bike-To-Work Day
NBC 4.com - Washington,DC,USA
WASHINGTON -- Wet weather is not keeping some dedicated local residents from participating in the annual Bike-to-Work Day. Friday morning, many people ...
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University, city employees celebrate Bike to Work Day
Northwest Arkansas Times - Fayetteville,AR,USA
The pair cycled about seven miles from their home in west Fayetteville to Jammin' Java on the Fayetteville Square to commemorate Bike to Work Day. ...
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Snohomish County bikers enjoy Bike To Work Day
HeraldNet - Everett,WA,USA
On Friday, the two instead suited up and hit the Interurban Trail for Bike to Work Day. From Shoreline to Everett and back, their 34-mile round-trip commute ...
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Sioux Falls bike to work day
Sioux Falls Argus Leader - Sioux Falls,SD,USA
Sioux Falls Bike to Work Day was a moment to consider a new way to arrive get to a job. For some who came to a downtown breakfast marking the occasion, ...
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Dozens eschew their cars for bikes on Natonal Bike-to-Work day
The News-Press - Fort Myers,FL,USA
Ott, an environmental scientist with the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, decided to take part in National Bike-to-Work Day and pedal 20 miles ...
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Rescue Mission declares Bike to Work Day
News 10 Now - Syracuse,NY,USA
SYRACUSE, NY -- In an effort to get more people pedaling to work, the Rescue Mission declared Friday Bike to Work Day in Syracuse. ...
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New OSU president participates in Bike-to-Work Day
KSWO - Lawton,OK,USA
Hargis rode his bicycle to work to participate in national Bike-to-Work Day. As part of a campus-wide initiative, OSU encouraged students, faculty and staff ...

Booker bikers

The winner of this year's Bike 2 Work Day trophy for the most riders by a business or organization: Morris Library, which had 8 staff members pedal to campus on Friday, namely Gary Shepherd, Andrea Imre, Julie Arendt (holding the trophy), Jonathan Nabe, Jim Forester, Roland Person, Cassie Wagner, Gwen King.

Freeway Ride

Bicyclists take LA Freeway illegally . . . Pass cars

Gearin' up for Bike 2 Work Day

The 6th Annual B2W Day is comin' up..... On Friday May 16. The Mayor will award trophies to individuals who ride the farthest, and to the organization that has the most riders. The three downtown bicycle shops all contributed items for the drawing. Some pretty cool stuff. Plus one of the shops threw in a $25 gift certificate.

As in the previous B2W Days, the guitar stylings of Darby McGrann will entertain the crowd, and lunch will be provided by Mayor Cole, who will award trophies and draw the winning tickets for the prizes.

Bicycle 2 Art Day

Class project turns into a piece of art:

"More than 30 students and other members of the community took a bicycle tour of campus and learned about the art sculptures displayed at various locations. . . . Ali Wood, a senior from Springfield studying art, was the creator behind the event. Wood is part of an independent study class and came up with this idea for a project after collaborating with the museum's exhibit designer Nate Steinbrink."

b2w6 press release

In keeping with National Bike to Work Month, and Bike to Work Day, on May 16 Mayor Cole will host the 6th Annual Bike 2 Work lunch at the Town Square Pavilion, from Noon - 1 pm, featuring music by Darby McGrann and trophies for individuals and organizations who bicycle to work that day.

More details will be published soon at this link.

Students bike to go green - Campus

Students bike to go green at SIUC:

"Rather than starting their engines, students got on their bikes and pedaled through campus Tuesday to take part in the worldwide Fossil Fools Day.

The Student Environmental Center organized a bicycle parade on campus to spread awareness about how the expansion of the fossil fuel industry contributes to many global problems, including the change in climate." -- reported in DE

Ugandans bicycle to work

Special to The Southern Illinoisan, by Bill Recktenwald:

"in East Africa and across the continent, the humble single-speed wide-tire bicycle is a mark of independence and entrepreneurship.

The ubiquitous bike, called 'Boda Boda,' earned its name by supplying transportation between Uganda border towns and Kenya just a few miles to the east. In early days, they also would smuggle goods across the border; today they are a primary source of transport.

In a country where few can afford a car and gas sells for close to $6 per gallon, pedal power is both user- and environment-friendly, and the hilly terrain does not deter the operators"

Chamber of Commerce - Bikes 2 Work?

The executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce wants members to consider riding their bicycles to work on May 16.

Developing . . .

Bike Month

League of American Bicyclists * Bike Month: "The League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike-to-Work Week from May 12-16 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16.

A Really Good Collapsible Bike

A Really Good Collapsible Bike: "Strida 5.0 is the newest iteration in a series of foldable bikes by British designer Mark Sanders. Long available in Europe, the line finally landed in the U.S."

Should Cyclists Run Red Lights?

The Informed Reader - WSJ.com : Should Cyclists Run Red Lights?

Bike paths not worthy of federal support?

Salon reports: Bike paths not worthy of federal support, says transportation secretary:

"Bike activists face an uphill climb against Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, who claims bike paths are not transportation and are stealing tax money from bridges and roads."

Bike to Work Day in Other Cities

As gas prices rise, more drivers ride the cycling trend
Oakland Tribune - Oakland,CA,USA
... and started to advocate that way of life, teaming up with nonprofit groups to lobby, educate and organize events such as the recent Bike to Work Day. ...
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Gas prices too high? Ride a bike to work
MaineToday.com - Portland,ME,USA
... pass along pointers and give some resources, just in case you need a little push to get started, and you missed National Bike to Work Day in May. ...
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Bulldog team participates in Bike to Work day
Fresno State News - Fresno,CA,USA
Forty-one Team Bulldog riders logged a total of 158 miles in the Bike to Work Day Corporate Challenge, sponsored by the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition on ...
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Bicycling to Work is WHEEL FUN and Saves Money!
YourHub.com - Denver,CO,USA
Review the other important bicycle safety tips provided on the Bike to Work Day web site at www.drcog.org/btwd2007 . Contact Bicycle Aurora at 303-699-9260 ...
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Bike training

Yesterday's Bike 2 Work Day event had a special trophy ready for Thomas T. Pleasants ("TT") who has been riding a bicycle to his job as an engineer for Amtrak for 14 years!

While in Carbondale, he rides from the motel to the Amtrak station, then loads his bicycle on the train to use it when he gets to Chicago!

TT couldn't make it to lunch at Town Square Pavilion yesterday, so I caught up with him at the station this morning, May 18 -- which happens to be Bike to Work Day in many other U.S. cities in the U.S.

B2W5

Today's Bike 2 Work Day event at Town Square Pavilion was attended by about 25 people, pictured here.

The prize for longest distance ride to work went to Stace England, of SIH, again this year. Stace pedalled 17 miles to work this morning.

The prize for the organization with the most people riding went (again this year) to the SIU Microbiology Department, with 7 people riding to work this morning, inspired by Donna Mueller.

Two Special Awards were also given by Mayor Cole to two people who have promoted the cause of bicyling in Carbondale: Sheila Simon was given a Special Award for her outstanding advocacy, while Darby McGrann was acknowledged for playing music at the event for the 5th consecutive year.

5th Annual Bike 2 Work Day

It started as a friendly collaboration between Tom Riechmann and me, when Tom was editor of the Carbondale Times, and he rode his bicycle to the Thomas Publishing office, across the street from my house, every day. We cooked it up together, before learning it was a national event. Mayor Brad Cole was quick to sponsor the idea, now in its 5th year. The first one was in October, successive ones have been in May.

The first event was held at City Hall. After the second year, the lunch was moved to Town Square Pavilion, but the theme remains the same. Lunch for everyone, a drawing for free bicycle stuff, and trophies to the individuals and businesses who ride farthest, or have the most people riding from a group. Past winners include American Resource Group and the SIUC Microbiology Dept. Past individual distance riding winners include Kyle Harfst and Stace England.

This year's event will take place

Thursday, May 17,
Noon - 1 p.m.
Town Square Pavilion

with lunch and trophies presented by Mayor Cole.

More details will be posted here as they become available.

Bike Month

Another National Bicycle Month is rolling 'round, signalling League of American Bicyclists * Bike Month. Locally, Bike 2 Work Day will be held on Thursday, May 17, with a lunch and trophy presentation at the Town Square Pavilion.

More details will be posted here as they become available.

B2W5

I'm hoping the local media will participate in Bike 2 Work Week, May 10 -17.

There are plans to give City Councilwoman Sheila Simon recognition for her bicycling advocacy, since rides to work on many days, not just one day.

50 things to do in May

50_things_for_bike_month.PDF

Another Bike 2 Work Day rolls by

As reported in the Carbondaley Dispatch . . . The 4th annual Bike 2 Work Day cruised smoothly -- but windily -- to completion here in Carbondale. Thanks to everyone who participated; especially these Town Square restaurants (Longbranch, Thai Taste, and Newell House) and all the bicyclists who braved strong winds to ride to work -- and then pedal to the Town Square Pavilion over the noon hour.

Also helpful in making the event a success: Laura Chamness, who arranged for drinks and tables for the group, and Darby "Starchild" McGrann who entertained the crowd, and even got Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole to join in on a rousing version of a Sesame Street classic.

The trophy for riding the farthest distance went to SIH IT guy Stace England (the famous musician) and the trophy for the business or organization with the most riders went to the SIUC Microbiology Dept. (yes, that ) while a special trophy was awarded to Jane Hinze, who rides her nifty recumbent bicycle (the one in front, with the windscreen) to work all year 'round.

In addition, several people were recipients of gift certificates for tune-ups from the local bike shops: The Bike Surgeon, Phoenix Cycles, and Carbondale Cycle, who also helped make tee-shirts commemorating the event available free of charge to all participants.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was receiving a message from the Chancellor (shown below) delivered by bicyle courier, in support of year round bicycling -- to go along with the Mayor's Official Proclamation of Bike to Work Day.

More photos can be viewed at this link.

Message from the Chancellor on Bike 2 Work Day

Local Press, etc.

This year's Bike to Work Month Illinois State license plate is "as attractive as a school bus, seeing as they are school-bus yellow" the driver of an automobile sporting the plates told me the other day.

Meanwhile, the Daily Egyptian did a nice article about Carbondale's Bike 2 Work Day in Monday's paper: Bicyclists to promote health, environment, including some quotes from yours truly. Did I really say that?

Mayor Proclaims Bike to Work Day

4th Annual Carbondale "Bike 2 Work Day" - May 12, 2006.

Since 1956, the League of American Bicyclists has recognized the month of May as National Bike-to-Work Month, a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative.

In addition, many communities will sponsor a Bike-to-Work Day giving metropolitan areas the opportunity to call attention to the benefits of bicycling and to increase safety awareness among bicyclists and motorists.

In Carbondale, Illinois, the 4th annual "Bike 2 Work" Day event will be held on May 12, with a gathering of bicyclists at the Town Square Pavilion for lunch and trophy presentation by Mayor Brad Cole.

Trophies will be awarded to participants who travel the longest distance, and for the organization that has the most people ride to work that day.

Last year, employees at American Resource Group swept the awards.

Prizes donated by local merchants -- including the local bicycle shops -- will be given to lucky participants.

Also for the fourth year, WDBX's "Mellow Man" Darby McGrann will play guitar and mayble croon a little, as riders gather and chat over lunch.

Other communities in the region are also encouraged to participate in local bike to work events.

Bike to Work around the Nation and around The Square

Around the U.S. many cities have organized "Bike to Work" Events:

In San Diego: Each year RideLink sponsors "Bike to Work Day" . . . The San Diego Regional Bike to Work Day has been recognized as one of the most successful bike to work day events in the country, and has drawn national attention.

The San Francisco Bay area has a very organized event on May 18, including a Bike Commuter of the Year Award. The activities are sponsored by a local Bike shop.

In the Washington DC area residents are invited to meet at one of 17 pit stops all over the region, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your colleagues at Freedom Plaza. Sponsored by Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections
Riders are invited to Register by May 15th and receive receive a FREE T-shirt, refreshments, and a chance to win bicycles and other giveaways! You'll also be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free bicycle valued up to $1,000 from City Bikes!



In Oakland, CA

• A free pancake breakfast (7-9am)
• Free Club One Day Pass for showers
• Free all-day valet bike parking
• A free bike mini-tune-up while you work
• A bicycle-style canvas bag with goodies and bicycling info
• A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses
• Tables with information about low-impact commuting, bicycle-friendly projects, and sustainable transportation and land use
• Press conference and prize announcements (8:30am)

Oakland's Bike to Work Day celebration is sponsored by the City of Oakland Public Works Agency, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, and local sponsoring businesses.

Central Oklahoma Bike-to-Work Day 2006 is part of a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative.

In Maryland, Bike to Work Day will be on Friday, May 19, co-sponsored by the university and the City of College Park. Some riders will continue the ride to join other cyclists for the finale at National Place in downtown DC, while others will proceed to work. Information, bike tune-ups and inspections, and give-aways will be provided by area bicycling retailers and advocacy groups. T-shirts are available for those who sign up in advance at www.waba.org.

In Monterey and Santa Cruz CA, Bike to Work/School Day is Thursday, May 18. Events include Bike Fest, commuter race, bike skills and maintenance classes and kids mountain bike ride through Wilder Rance. More events to come!

Reston Bike Club: GEAR UP FOR BIKE TO WORK DAY 2006 - Participate and Receive a FREE T-Shirt! BIKE TO WORK DAY is a Free Event full of Fun, Food and Prizes!

Bike to Work Detroit!....Get Geared for all the fun, Volunteer!

TransOptions, the Transportation Management Association for Northwest New Jersey, is promoting Bike to Work Day on May 19.

In Central Connecticut, Bike to Work 2006. CCBA & BTW got some well-earned mention in this ... There is no fee any day for bike commuters to shower at the downtown YMCA. ...

In Carbondale Illinois . . . the fourth annual "Bike 2 Work Day" will take place on May 12, sponsored by Mayor Brad Cole and On The Square Events in Carbondale, Illinois, with lunch provided by one or more of the local restaurants.

As in previous years, trophies will be awarded to the individual(s) who travel farthest to work, and the business that has the most riders.

This year, the trophy categories are:

Farthest individual ride
Most riders from one business
Lifetime achievement award

Last year year's winners were American Resource Group located on Town Square.

For the fourth year, Darby McGrann will provide musical accompaniment.

This year, a commemorative tee-shirt will be given to participants --

Themes being considered are

"I Rode My Bike to Work With Stupid"

-------->

and

"I Rode My Bike to Work
and All I Got was This T-Shirt
and Lunch at the Town Square Pavilion
and Possibly a Trophy"

B2W4

Another Bike 2 Work Day is rolling around, and judging from the increased number of participants in last year's event, Bike 2 Work IV promises to be the biggest and best yet . . . Especially if the committee decides to serve beer to thirsty cyclists after work.

Saluki Cycles seeks donations

Saluki Cycles letter to sponsors

Yellow Bikes

Nicole Sack reports in The Southern Illinoisan:

"As if bicycles painted yellow aren't distinguishable enough, the Saluki Cycles program took the extra step to give their herd of 10 each a name.

The new program was initiated by the Student Environmental Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is co-sponsored by the Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future, the Bike Surgeon and the SIUC Recreation Center.

The purpose of Saluki Cycles is multi-faceted. It promotes alternative transportation, healthy and active lifestyles and environmental awareness. By biking instead of driving, people get good exercise, save money and reduce fossil fuel emissions, said Kris Schachel director of SICSF.

Students and staff at SIUC can check out the bikes - sort of like they check out a library book.

Organizers are hoping the program catches on and they can add to their fleet. Their goals are mostly practical.

'There is commitment to placing more emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle traffic and less vehicular use in the University's land use plan,' SRC Director Bill McMinn said.

Saluki Cycles has rolled out the fleet of 10 yellow, single speed cruisers that are available for up to two days at a time. They come with helmets, locks and the proper safety accessories such as lights and reflectors.

The program has the support of Carbondale City Councilwoman Sheila Simon, who is an avid cyclist herself.

'Carbondale is mostly flat, making biking easy,' Simon said. 'We also enjoy a climate that allows almost year-round biking. In addition, the community is receptive to increased biking. For example, the city is currently asking for federal funding for more bike path miles.'

Ryan Campbell, a senior in plant biology, received a Campus Ecology fellowship from the National Wildlife Federation, which provided initial funding. Contributions from local individuals made it possible to purchase the bikes and accessories, he said.

The Bike Surgeon co-owners Will Scherschel and Jon Greenstreet were strong and enthusiastic supporters throughout the process as they donated their normal markup to the project and worked with their distributor to get the cruisers at below cost. Their technicians helped assemble and store the bikes before their transfer to the Recreation Center."

Alert for alert area bicyclists

Carbondale City Council member Shiela Simon wants bicyclists to come to the City Council meeting Tuesday, July 12, to show their support for a TEA Grant for a bike path from North Oakland out to Route 13 on the old railroad track property. . . . There are lots of options for projects we could fund with the grant, so I really want to support this bike path. It appears to be set up so
that it can link with other paths as they develop."

Don Lawrence of the Carbondale Bicycle Club and PCTT member notes that it's "a chance to have greenway-type paths developed for safe recreational biking in the area."

New Hampshire challenge: Bike or walk to work

Portsmouth Herald Local News: New challenge: Bike or walk to work: "The third annual New Hampshire Bike and Walk to Work Day was observed last month across the state. In declaring the day, Gov. John Lynch encouraged 'all citizens to celebrate by leaving their cars at home and trying a healthy commute on their bicycles or by foot.'

Bike to Work Day was started nationally in 1968 by the League of American Bicyclists. In New Hampshire, Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes and Concord 2020 began organizing events for the day in 2003. This year, SABR partnered with the Granite State Bicycling Alliance and received funding from the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation and the Timberland Company to expand Bike and Walk to Work Day into a statewide event by helping groups in communities around the state organize events.

The goals of Bike and Walk to Work Day are to promote bicycling and walking as healthy and safe ways to get to work and for other short trips, decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality and raise public awareness of the need to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities around the state.

For details on the Trek Summer Commuter Challenge, or to see photos of events held around the state, visit Seacoast Bikes."

Beer for Bicyclists

The Daily Camera: Cold beer draws after-work cyclists in Broomfield, Colorado: "Ahhh. Nothing like a frosty beer gliding down the throat to cap off a long day at work. Bicyclists from several Interlocken and FlatIron shopping district businesses got an early start on happy hour Wednesday in an after-work beer and wine event offered as part of Bike to Work Day.

In its fifth year in Broomfield, Bike to Work Day attracted about 450 riders. The event saw about 70,000 cyclists across the seven-county Denver-metro area last year, according to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, which coordinates the day each year."