Bike To Work Day a Huge Success!!

Thousands of bicyclists turned out to celebrate Bike to Work Day 2009 at locations in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.  Over 8,000 people signed up to participate in advance of the event, which set a new record for registrations.

The annual event, sponsored jointly by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, promotes bicycling as a healthy, low-cost and environmentally-friendly alternative to drive-alone commuting. 

"Thank you for bicycling to work today for your health and for the environment," D.C. Councilmember At-Large and COG President Phil Mendelson told participants assembled at Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington D.C.  "And thank you for making a statement by bicycling to work and showing that there are alternatives to driving."

Several speakers at Freedom Plaza noted the participation of U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in this year's Bike to Work Day celebration calling it a another positive sign that the new Obama Administration supports bicycling as an important means of transportation.  Photos from the Freedom Plaza event in DC can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/waba/.

Including Freedom Plaza, bicyclists gathered at a total of 26 "pit stops" featuring entertainment, food, drinks, and raffles.  The raffle prizes included commuter bags, bike locks, bicycles, and other bike-related gadgets and accessories.  Experienced WABA volunteers helped lead "commuter convoys" from across the area to Freedom Plaza and other pit stop destinations. Convoy leaders assisted participants with safe riding and equipment tips as well as showing riders the best route to their destination.

For more information about WABA, visit www.waba.org. To learn more about Commuter Connections, visit www.commuterconnections.org.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) creates a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment; and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.

Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Departments of Transportation as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Commuter Connections promotes bicycling to work and other alternatives to drive-alone commuting, and provides ridematching for carpools and vanpools and offers the free Guaranteed Ride Home program.

Riding in: Commuter Convoys

Although our commuter convoys only happen on Bike to Work Day you can still access all the available cue sheets in order to find a good route to your work place. Follow the link below.

Find a Commuter Convoy>>

bike commuting and car free living

Bike to Work Day may be over but you can still find more information about bike commuting on our website. Learn how to not only commute to work, but also make your life car free by checking out our bike commuting page.

go here>>

Still feeling a little uneasy about taking your bike out on the streets? Let WABA help you build your confidence. Take advantage of our FREE Confident City Cycling Classes! Learn to safely share the road with cars, other bikes, and pedestrians. learn more>>

New Tax Benefits for bike commuters

People who commute to work by bike are now eligible for a $20 a month tax benefit.  To see how your employer can provide this benefit please visit the website of our friends at the League of American Bicyclists.

Take the WABA Cyclist Survey!

WABA is currently conducting a detailed survey in an effort to better understand needs of cyclists in the DC area.  A special survey is reserved for Federal workers in an effort to learn how cyclists are accommodated at Federal office buildings.  Please click on the appropriate link below.  The surveys each take about 10 minutes to complete.

WABA Cyclists Survey>>

WABA Survey of Federal Workers>>