Commuters are encouraged to ditch their cars for one day and ride their bicycles, a practice that can benefit both their physical health and the environment. May 19 is Bike to Work Day, an annual tradition that draws thousands across the Northern Virginia and DC regions.
The League of American Bicyclists first established Bike to Work Day in 1956 as part of National Bike Month. Commuter Connections, a regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association started the local effort in 2001, and it’s drawn crowds as large as 18,700.
“Bicycling makes the daily commute more sustainable, whether you go to an office one day a week or five,” said Nicholas Ramfos, director of Commuter Connections. “Bike to Work Day is a fun, healthy commuting option that helps reduce traffic congestion on roadways that are getting crowded once again.”
The event is free, and participants are encouraged to register online.
Throughout the region there will be 108 pit stops in NoVA, DC, and suburban Maryland, with fun offerings like raffles, food, and giveaways. The first 15,000 who register will receive a free Bike to Work Day 2023 T-shirt, to be picked up at the pit stop they selected while registering.
For participants who are more comfortable riding in a group, volunteers will lead convoys of riders through pre-set routes. Riders can either join the convoy for the entire length of the ride or split off when it’s convenient for their route to work.
A complete list of the convoys is available on the event website, including one route that begins in Kingstowne and runs all the way to Foggy Bottom.
The event website notes that there will not be resources available to repair damaged bicycles. Riders should make sure that their bikes are in good condition and are ready for the ride ahead of time. Make sure the tires have enough air, the chain isn’t loose or dry, and the brakes are in operable condition.
Before you ride, make sure you’ve brushed up on Virginia cycling laws and safety practices.
- Wear a helmet. (While adults aren’t required to wear one by law, it’s always recommended.)
- Wear visible clothing and put reflectors on your bike. If you’re riding at night, use a bike light.
- Use hand signals before turning or stopping.
- Ride with the flow of traffic.
- Obey traffic signals, such as stop signs and stop lights.
For more tips, check out Commuter Connections’ resource for bicycle commuting in the DC area.
Feature image courtesy Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
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