National Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 15, but San Diego’s Bike to Work Day is postponed until May 29 due to heavy rains and thunderstorms forecast for the greater San Diego region.
Originated by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956, Bike to Work Day is a part of Bike-to-Work Week, which is in turn part of National Bike Month. The annual event, held during spring across the United States and Canada, promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work. On May 29, Mixte Communications, at 4827 Voltaire St., will be a morning pit stop from 6 to 9 a.m.
“We’ll have games, prizes and food provided by The Wine Pub,” said Mixte CEO Jamie Hampton, noting the bike train from Mixte to downtown will begin at 7:45 a.m.
Hampton said Mixte’s ride will be at a casual pace and is meant for those biking to work for the first time to get them comfortable on their bikes. Later, a Bike from Work Day event will be at The Wine Pub, at 2907 Shelter Island Drive, from 5 to 8 p.m. Bikers will be greeted with an extended happy hour and high-fives.
Leading up to Bike to Work Day, national, regional and local bicycle advocacy groups, like the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, have been promoting the special day extolling its significance.
“The day gives people awareness and education on alternative means of transportation,” said coalition executive director Andy Hanshaw. “It’s part of a national day — and movement — which has evolved into bike month all of May.”
Noting cycling is “a great way to get around,” Hanshaw pointed out that upward of 9,000 San Diegans took part in last year’s Bike to Work Day.
“The expectations are even higher this year,” he said, noting that “more and more people want to bike more in their daily lives.”
A daily bicycling commuter himself, Hanshaw added that “We’re asking folks to take the pledge to go by bike to work on May 15, and we’re asking them to register online at gobybikesd.com to be able to win cool prizes and other good things.”
According to studies, as many as half or more of the American work force lives within five miles of the workplace, which means it can actually take less time to get to work by biking instead of driving. Cycling enthusiasts add biking can also lower stress levels and boost immune function.
Some reasons for commuting to work by bike:
• It saves money. A 2012 Forbes magazine article reported that “The average annual operating cost of a bicycle is $308, compared to $8,220 for the average car.”
• It serves a dual purpose. By commuting on two wheels instead of four, the rider will arrive at his or her destination while getting an effective cardiovascular and strength-building workout.
• It encourages young people. Biking to school has just as many benefits for children as it does adults. Studies have found that kids who use active transportation like biking to get to school improve their ability to concentrate in the classroom.
• It’s good for the environment. Transportation is the largest single source of air pollution in the United States. The “cocktail” of toxic fumes out of cars includes particulate matter, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene and more. Biking not only saves about a pound of air pollution per mile; the people riding bikes, even on the road, inhale as much as 60 percent fewer air pollutants than those who drive to work.
• It improves health. The average American worker takes 4.9 sick days per year. Studies show employees who biked to work took an average of one less sick day per year than their non-cyclingcounterparts.
• It lessens stress. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the reported incidents of “aggressive driving” have increased by about 7 percent each year since 1990. “By contrast, studies comparing the experiences of commuting by bicycle and car report that cyclists find their mode of transport at least as flexible and convenient as those who use cars, with lower stress and greater feelings of freedom, relaxation and excitement.”
• It allows you to get more done. Biking to work improves focus and productivity. Regular exercise not only improves muscle condition and fitness but that of the brain as well. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pre-work exercise like bike commuting has been shown to increase employee work performance by as much as 52 percent.
Download the free local San Diego Bikes app on Apple or Android devices to find local bike lanes and paths to follow on your commute at mycitybikes.org/california. Why bike to work? Mia Bolton, Ocean Beach: “Biking is just the best way to begin your day. When I bike to work, it’s hard for me to arrive in a bad mood, and I typically have a more productive day all around.” Dan Schueller, Point Loma: “Biking to work is so much fun. You get to breathe fresh air, smell the flowers and listen to the birds.” Laura Fantozzi, Point Loma: “I like to bike to work because it is great exercise and a fun way to see different parts of your community. And I saw bunnies today!” Karim Bouris, Point Loma: “I bike to work for many simple reasons: to breathe fresh air, to get to my destination while moving my body, to discover all of San Diego’s streets … and to smile at random strangers along the way!” Lauren Zerweck, Ocean Beach: “Bike to Work Day reminds me that a small change in habit can have a remarkably beneficial impact on our community.”