Background
More than 25,000
participants are expected to commute to work by bicycle during the 10h
annual California Bike Commute Week, which will be held from May 17th
to
California Bike Commute Week is the largest event of its kind in the country. The purpose of the event is to promote cycling as a form of transportation to the workplace, to celebrate those who bicycle commute throughout the year, to demonstrate an environmentally friendly transportation option, and to promote clean air.
This statewide bike commute project is produced by the California Bicycle Coalition, a non-profit 501(c)(4) bicycle advocacy organization. Co-sponsors include Caltrans, ZonePerfect Nutrition, Bullfrog, and many public and private companies and organizations throughout the state.
California
Bike Commute Week relies on large and small employers to encourage their
employees to commute to work by bicycle.
It is also promoted at bike shops, in statewide bicycle publications, newspapers,
television, radio, and through direct mail.
Elected officials throughout the state are expected to participate in
the event, and the state legislature will be asked to issue a proclamation
declaring
More than 250 pit stops will be set up at various locations around the state during California Bike Commute Week. Pit stops are where bicycle commuters can stop on their way to work for free refreshments, and are a very popular location for media coverage. In addition to the Pit stops, many employers throughout the state will provide extra incentives for their employees to try bicycling to work. Some employers provide breakfast for those that commute by bike and many give special prizes including Bike to Work Day T-shirts.
Registration is free and, to encourage registration, many regions provide prizes to randomly selected participants. Cyclist may register and receive information about regional events on the Internet at www.californiabikecommute.com.