Friday, May 12, 2006

Another Bike 2 Work Day rolls by

As reported in the Carbondaley Dispatch . . . The 4th annual Bike 2 Work Day cruised smoothly -- but windily -- to completion here in Carbondale. Thanks to everyone who participated; especially these Town Square restaurants (Longbranch, Thai Taste, and Newell House) and all the bicyclists who braved strong winds to ride to work -- and then pedal to the Town Square Pavilion over the noon hour.

Also helpful in making the event a success: Laura Chamness, who arranged for drinks and tables for the group, and Darby "Starchild" McGrann who entertained the crowd, and even got Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole to join in on a rousing version of a Sesame Street classic.

The trophy for riding the farthest distance went to SIH IT guy Stace England (the famous musician) and the trophy for the business or organization with the most riders went to the SIUC Microbiology Dept. (yes, that ) while a special trophy was awarded to Jane Hinze, who rides her nifty recumbent bicycle (the one in front, with the windscreen) to work all year 'round.

In addition, several people were recipients of gift certificates for tune-ups from the local bike shops: The Bike Surgeon, Phoenix Cycles, and Carbondale Cycle, who also helped make tee-shirts commemorating the event available free of charge to all participants.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was receiving a message from the Chancellor (shown below) delivered by bicyle courier, in support of year round bicycling -- to go along with the Mayor's Official Proclamation of Bike to Work Day.

More photos can be viewed at this link.

Message from the Chancellor on Bike 2 Work Day

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Local Press, etc.

This year's Bike to Work Month Illinois State license plate is "as attractive as a school bus, seeing as they are school-bus yellow" the driver of an automobile sporting the plates told me the other day.

Meanwhile, the Daily Egyptian did a nice article about Carbondale's Bike 2 Work Day in Monday's paper: Bicyclists to promote health, environment, including some quotes from yours truly. Did I really say that?

Friday, April 07, 2006

4th Annual Carbondale "Bike 2 Work Day" - May 12, 2006.

Since 1956, the League of American Bicyclists has recognized the month of May as National Bike-to-Work Month, a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative.

In addition, many communities will sponsor a Bike-to-Work Day giving metropolitan areas the opportunity to call attention to the benefits of bicycling and to increase safety awareness among bicyclists and motorists.

In Carbondale, Illinois, the 4th annual "Bike 2 Work" Day event will be held on May 12, with a gathering of bicyclists at the Town Square Pavilion for lunch and trophy presentation by Mayor Brad Cole.

Trophies will be awarded to participants who travel the longest distance, and for the organization that has the most people ride to work that day.

Last year, employees at American Resource Group swept the awards.

Prizes donated by local merchants -- including the local bicycle shops -- will be given to lucky participants.

Also for the fourth year, WDBX's "Mellow Man" Darby McGrann will play guitar and mayble croon a little, as riders gather and chat over lunch.

Other communities in the region are also encouraged to participate in local bike to work events.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Bike to Work around the Nation and around The Square

Around the U.S. many cities have organized "Bike to Work" Events:

In San Diego: Each year RideLink sponsors "Bike to Work Day" . . . The San Diego Regional Bike to Work Day has been recognized as one of the most successful bike to work day events in the country, and has drawn national attention.

The San Francisco Bay area has a very organized event on May 18, including a Bike Commuter of the Year Award. The activities are sponsored by a local Bike shop.

In the Washington DC area residents are invited to meet at one of 17 pit stops all over the region, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your colleagues at Freedom Plaza. Sponsored by Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections
Riders are invited to Register by May 15th and receive receive a FREE T-shirt, refreshments, and a chance to win bicycles and other giveaways! You'll also be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free bicycle valued up to $1,000 from City Bikes!



In Oakland, CA
  • A free pancake breakfast (7-9am)
  • Free Club One Day Pass for showers
  • Free all-day valet bike parking
  • A free bike mini-tune-up while you work
  • A bicycle-style canvas bag with goodies and bicycling info
  • A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses
  • Tables with information about low-impact commuting, bicycle-friendly projects, and sustainable transportation and land use
  • Press conference and prize announcements (8:30am)

Oakland's Bike to Work Day celebration is sponsored by the City of Oakland Public Works Agency, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, and local sponsoring businesses.

Central Oklahoma Bike-to-Work Day 2006 is part of a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative.

In Maryland, Bike to Work Day will be on Friday, May 19, co-sponsored by the university and the City of College Park. Some riders will continue the ride to join other cyclists for the finale at National Place in downtown DC, while others will proceed to work. Information, bike tune-ups and inspections, and give-aways will be provided by area bicycling retailers and advocacy groups. T-shirts are available for those who sign up in advance at www.waba.org.

In Monterey and Santa Cruz CA, Bike to Work/School Day is Thursday, May 18. Events include Bike Fest, commuter race, bike skills and maintenance classes and kids mountain bike ride through Wilder Rance. More events to come!

Reston Bike Club: GEAR UP FOR BIKE TO WORK DAY 2006 - Participate and Receive a FREE T-Shirt! BIKE TO WORK DAY is a Free Event full of Fun, Food and Prizes!

Bike to Work Detroit!....Get Geared for all the fun, Volunteer!

TransOptions, the Transportation Management Association for Northwest New Jersey, is promoting Bike to Work Day on May 19.

In Central Connecticut, Bike to Work 2006. CCBA & BTW got some well-earned mention in this ... There is no fee any day for bike commuters to shower at the downtown YMCA. ...

In Carbondale Illinois . . .
the fourth annual "Bike 2 Work Day" will take place on May 12, sponsored by Mayor Brad Cole and On The Square Events in Carbondale, Illinois, with lunch provided by one or more of the local restaurants.

As in previous years, trophies will be awarded to the individual(s) who travel farthest to work, and the business that has the most riders.

This year, the trophy categories are:

Farthest individual ride
Most riders from one business
Lifetime achievement award

Last year year's winners were American Resource Group located on Town Square.

For the fourth year, Darby McGrann will provide musical accompaniment.

This year, a commemorative tee-shirt will be given to participants --

Themes being considered are

"I Rode My Bike to Work With Stupid"
-------->

and

"I Rode My Bike to Work
and All I Got was This T-Shirt
and Lunch at the Town Square Pavilion
and Possibly a Trophy"

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

B2W4

Another Bike 2 Work Day is rolling around, and judging from the increased number of participants in last year's event, Bike 2 Work IV promises to be the biggest and best yet . . . Especially if the committee decides to serve beer to thirsty cyclists after work.