Rising gasoline prices, a greater emphasis on health, and growing awareness of alternate transportation modes may point to another successful Bike to Work Day. This year’s official day will be celebrated throughout the Central Oklahoma region May 20. Perhaps another incentive is the fact that it has never rained on Bike to Work Day in seven years.
The annual event is being coordinated by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, regional bicycle advocates, and the cities of Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Yukon and Edmond.
Bike to Work Day 2011 is part of a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative. The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the month of May as National Bike to Work Month since 1956, and National Bike to Work Day annually offers metropolitan areas the opportunity to call attention to the benefits of bicycling and to increase safety awareness among bicyclists and motorists.
Each community is planning separate events that include bike and t-shirt giveaways and door prizes. Bike to Work activities in Oklahoma City, Norman, Yukon and Guthrie will occur in the morning. Moore and Midwest City are planning evening events. In Edmond, all three high schools (Santa Fe, Memorial and North) are planning Bike to School events.
METRO Transit is offering free bus rides the third Friday of every month this summer, so it will coincide with Bike to Work Day. Riding the bus on Citylink Edmond is free every week day. All transit providers, including Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), have bike racks equipped on all busses.
All participants are encouraged to follow the rules of the road and observe safety rules.
Complete details, including routes and event schedules for Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day 2011 can be found at www.BikeDayOK.com, or on Facebook at “Bike to Work.” Call John Sharp or Daniel Fazekas at ACOG, 234-2264 for more information.