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.
