Six years ago, we convened a group of city planners, bike enthusiasts and health advocates to start planning a regional Bike to Work Day event. Every year, we would read with envy about Denver’s Bike to Work Day events and how they would draw over 10,000 cyclists.
So, on May 20, 2005, we finally got it going and held our first “group ride,” which started at the state fairgrounds and migrated to the east side of City Hall downtown. The first event was a smash success and the weather was perfect. Since then, we’ve added more and more communities to make it a truly regional event. Most notably, every year the weather has been impeccable. Let’s hope the streak continues.
This year’s official day will be celebrated throughout the Central Oklahoma region May 21. This Friday, the cities of Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Yukon and Edmond are all planning events.
All seven communities have activities planned that focus on a group ride. The group ride is intended to show the motoring public the number of active cyclists and participants. Each community also has a specific route and end of ride ceremony.
METRO Transit is also providing free bus rides to riders who bike and bus on May 21.
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the month of May as National Bike to Work Month since 1956. National Bike to Work Day (third Friday in May) annually offers metropolitan areas the opportunity to call attention to the benefits of bicycling and to increase safety awareness among bicyclists and motorists.
Complete details, including routes and event schedules for Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day 2010 can be found at www.BikeDayOK.com. Join us, and check the blog next week for video and photos.