Date
Tuesday
May
13

May 13-19

Bike to Work Week

Pedal to productivity during Bike to Work Week! Embrace the ride, cut the carbon, and join the celebration of two-wheel commuting!

Type
Week
Category
Health

Introduction

Get those gears turning and prepare to rev up your commute because Bike to Work Week begins on May 13! This eco-friendly and health-boosting week is all about ditching four wheels for two. Believe it or not, Bike to Work Week wasn't always on our annual calendars. It was first established back in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists and has grown in popularity ever since. Celebrated nationwide as a part of National Bike Month, this week is filled with tons of cycling-related activities, all aimed at promoting the multifaceted benefits of biking. So, let's get pedaling, save the planet one bike ride at a time and, of course, have fun while doing it!

Bike to Work Week Timeline

1956
Inception of Bike to Work
The League of American Bicyclists established Bike to Work Week to encourage more people to use bicycles for daily commute.
1970
First Earth Day
The first Earth Day celebration took place, fueling a rise in environmental awareness and boosting participation in Bike to Work Week.
1980
Growing Popularity
Cities across the U.S. started recognizing and promoting Bike to Work Week, contributing to its widening popularity.
2000
Bike to Work Day inauguration
A dedicated Bike to Work Day was inaugurated, falling on the Friday of Bike to Work Week, focusing public attention even more on this initiative.
2010
National Bike Challenge Begins
The League of American Bicyclists launched the National Bike Challenge promoting biking to work and intensifying participation in Bike to Work Week.
2020
Pandemic Impact and Virtual Events
Due to COVID-19, Bike to Work Week transitioned to encourage solo rides and virtual events promoting safety during the pandemic.

How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week

1

Organize a bike-pool

Similar to a carpool, gather a group of people who live near each other and work at the same place or area and bike to work together. Not only will this add some enjoyment to your commute, but it's also a great way to establish a sense of community and ensure everyone gets their exercise for the day.

2

Set up refresher stations

Get your workplace involved by setting up 'refresher' stations with water, snacks, and repair kits for those cycling to work. It's a great way to encourage more people to join in the Bike to Work Week and also shows your support and appreciation.

3

Arrange biking skill workshops

Set up workshops during lunch hours or after work for interested members of your office or community. Here experts can share how to change a flat tire, safety tips, maintaining your bike, and other useful skills. It's not only learning valuable skills but also promotes bike safety and maintenance awareness.

4

Hold a bike parade

At the end of the week, hold a bike parade where participants can decorate their bikes and cycle on a predetermined route. It's a fun activity that also reinforces the joy and benefits of biking to work, celebrates the success of the week, and promotes group participation.

5

Donate to bicycle advocacy groups

Recruit colleagues to contribute and donate to bicycle advocacy groups that work to make cities and towns more bike-friendly. Not only does this show support for the cause, but it also aids in making biking to work a more viable option for more people in the future.

Why We Love Bike to Work Week

A

Promotes Physical Health

Bike to Work Week not only provides a more environmentally friendly transportation option but it also encourages physical exercise, which can lead to numerous health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, strengthened muscles, and improved mental health.

B

Encourages Community Engagement

From organizing a bike-pool to doing workshops or a bike parade, Bike to Work Week offers plentiful opportunities for individuals to engage with their colleagues and local community. It fosters a sense of unity, cooperation, and encourages everyone to work towards a common goal.

C

Promotes Environmental Awareness

By replacing car commutes with cycling, Bike to Work Week helps reduce carbon emissions, thus contributing to the global effort to curb climate change. Moreover, it also serves as a platform to educate people about the importance of eco-friendly habits and sustainability.