FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2009
Contact: Sandra Lupien
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Events Coordinator
707-694-8702
SandraL@BikeSonoma.org
Posters, B-roll, Flyers and additional info at: http://btwd.bayareabikes.org/node/37
511 & Kaiser Permanente Present:
15th Annual Bike to Work Day, May 14th
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Leads County Events
SONOMA COUNTY, CA:
May 14th marks the Bay Area's 15th annual Bike to Work Day when nearly 150,000 commuters are expected to put their feet to the bike pedal. Across the nation, many more will bike commute the entire month of May to commemorate National Bike Month. Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition (SCBC) will lead Bike to Work Month/Day efforts here.
During these difficult economic times, many are evaluating the true costs of their decisions. Driving to work costs more than the money we pay at the pump. There's the cost to purchase, insure, license and maintain a car – not to mention fees for parking! Making more of your trips by bike can save a significant amount of money.
"During the Summer, I can go for a whole month before I have to fill up my gas tank," said Sonoma County bike commuter Shelly Lydon, "and my commute is only about one mile each way so I end up getting to work faster than if I drove."
But, the benefits of bike commuting extend far beyond the economic.
"There's no doubt," says Sandra Lupien, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Events Coordinator, "that commuting by bike addresses many of the problems facing society today. It provides exercise, thereby combating health problems like obesity. It reduces carbon emissions, which helps combat the climate crisis. Employers who encourage bike commuting save bundles of money on parking and health insurance. And, it’s fun -- what could be better?"
Bike to Work Day helps people make the switch to the two-wheeled commute. And, events take place throughout the month of May in Sonoma County. On May 14th, volunteers will staff more than 25 Energizer Stations along bike commute routes Countywide. They'll provide cyclists with complimentary treats, a reusable goodie bag, bicycle information, and good cheer! For a complete list of activities, visit the Bike to Work Day website at 511.org. or www.BikeSonoma.org.
Sonoma County launches a new Energizer Station this year in Railroad Square at the site of thefuture SMART Train station. 2009 is the first Bike to Work celebration since voters in Sonoma and Marin Counties passed SMART on the November ballot. Bike and Pedestrian paths will run along the train line's entire route -- and bikes will be allowed on the trains.
Tanya Narath, Executive Director of the Leadership Institute for Ecology & the Economy, is among those celebrating SMART: "I will be able to ride my bike to the Railroad Square station from my home in west Santa Rosa and get to meetings in any city along the corridor. If my final destination is too far for me to walk from the train station, I'll be able to roll my bike right onto the train and then ride it from the train station to my meeting."
Biking to work is always more fun when there's someone to bike with. The Team Bike Challenge provides an opportunity for more experienced riders and new bicycle commuters to team up to save money and reduce pollution. Participants track their bike trips all month long at 511.org as they compete against other teams to log the most bicycle trips.
Bike to Work Day 2009 is presented by Kaiser Permanente and local sponsors, with promotions organized by Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, Bay Area Bicycle Coalition, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Sonoma County Businesses and Government agencies, and hundreds of local volunteers. For more information, visit 511.org or call 511 and say, "bicycling."
Or visit www.bikesonoma.org/Bike2Work.html or call SCBC at 707-545-0153.
Sonoma County Bike to Work Day Sponsors are: Measure M, Sonoma County Bike Shops (Bici Sport, Bicycle Czar, The Bike Peddler, BreakawayBikes, The Hub Cyclery, NorCal Bike Sport, Rincon Cyclery, Sonoma Bicycle Company, Sonoma Valley Cyclery, Spoke Folk Cyclery, Trek Store Santa Rosa, and West County Revolution), Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Sonoma Wine Company, Camelbak, Winzler & Kelly, Santa Rosa Community Market, North Bay Bohemian, Traditional Medicinals, W-Trans, North Bay Corporation, and Exchange Bank.
Sonoma County Bike to Work Month Events (call 707-545-0153 for details):
May 3rd: Street Skills for Bike Riders Classes
May 14th: Energizer Stations Countywide from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.
May 14th: Bike Home From Work Celebration, Santa Rosa , Trek Store Santa Rosa, 512 Mendocino Ave., 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
May 16th: Bike to Work/School in Luther Burbank Rose Parade
May 19th: "Haul Stuff With Your Bike" Commute Clinic - 6:30 p.m., 655 First Street, SantaRosa
May 23rd: Bike-in Movie - 8:00 p.m.
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