May 20 is National Bike To Work Day

Every morning, commuters across Ashburn sigh, groan and complain about the impending commute. Sitting in traffic not only wastes time, but all those idling motors also do a number on the area’s air quality. While riding to work my not be a daily possibility for many, why not join a commuter convoy for the day and participate in National Bike To Work Day?

National Bike To Work Day, set for Friday, May 20, celebrates a clean and healthy way to reach work. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) coordinated the event.

For individuals whose commute is too long for a bicycle ride, try cycling to a local Metro station, bus stop or park and ride lot.

“Bike to Work Day is an option even for those with long commutes,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of COG’s Commuter Connections. “Our goal is to encourage commuters to think of ways to substitute their bicycles for the portion of their commute they may travel alone by car.”

Metrorail’s Bike ‘N Ride program permits cyclists to bring their bikes on rail cars during certain hours.

With 1,700 free bike racks, 1,280 lockers available at Metro stations and every Metrobus equipped with a two-bike rack, there are plenty of options for those seeking the health, environmental and cost-saving benefits of cycling to work.

Cyclists can also choose to join one of more than two dozen bicycle Commuter Convoys that are now being organized for Bike to Work Day. Experienced bicycle commuters lead the convoys, which will travel throughout the region. All bicyclists both new and experienced are welcome to join any of the convoys. Check out Commuter Convoy Routes here.

The Loudoun County Office of Transportation Services will host two of 49 Bike to Work Day pit stops along the , where participants can pick-up free T-shirts and giveaways, enjoy refreshments and enter prize raffles:

• At Raflo Park, Harrison Street in Leesburg, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• At Orbital Sciences Corporation in Sterling, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

There is still time to be among the first 9,000 bicyclists who register at www.waba.org to receive a free Bike to Work Day T-shirt and gain entry into a raffle for prizes that include bicycles from Brompton, Giant, Jamis and Linus as well as bicycle accessories. For more information, contact Transportation Services at 703-737-8044 or go online to www.loudoun.gov/biketowork.