In terms of my attitude toward cycling to work, I always return to something Barb Chamberlain told the Spokesman a few years ago: “I think people would be scared off if they had to change their whole life all at once. But it’s so doable, once it’s part of your routine.”

We’re all creatures of habit, and it takes a simple event like Bike To Work week to make us realize change is easily within our reach. In addition to the excellent health benefits, especially cardiovascular, I hope readers realize the impact of this alternative commuting method: Biking to work at least four days a week (presumably eight miles, round trip), would save yourself 54 gallons of gas annually and 1,140 pounds of carbon emissions.

Image courtesy of the Spokesman.



But riding a bike is still so much fun. “It’s like being a kid again,” Chamberlain said, “if you remember when having a bike meant freedom.”

I'm happy to report it's that time again as the month of May is Bike Month featuring events such as the Commute Challenge and Bike To Work Week. After the jump, check out all you need to know courtesy of Spokane Bikes and registration information.

Have you registered for the month-long Commute Challenge? Sign up now! Tallying for "most vehicle miles avoided" starts this coming Tuesday, May 1st -- track your miles individually or get friends and co-workers to join your team.

What are "vehicle miles avoided?" They're any miles you ride that you would have driven otherwise. Even if you don't ride to work, rides to school, the grocery store, a coffee date or anywhere else you could have driven totally count! The only miles that don't count are those ridden purely for recreation and exercise -- trail rides, training rides and the like.

How do I keep track of my miles? Go to spokanebikes.net once a day or once a week to enter your miles -- no login required! Just give us your name, email address, team name (optional) and your vehicle miles avoided for the day/week! We recommend you keep a tally of your miles for your personal reference throughout the month, and we'll be keeping track as well.

Register for Bike to Work Week! Bike to Work week is May 20th - 26th this year.

Please register online if you plan to participate in any Bike to Work Week events -- this helps us know how many people we'll need to accomodate.

Bike to Work Week Events

Ride of Silence Friday, May 18 @ 6pm Downtown Spokane

Bike to Work Week Kickoff Breakfast Tuesday, May 21 @ 7am Riverfront Park

Morning Energizer Stations Wednesday May 23 @ 6:30 – 9am Businesses around Spokane

Bike to Work Week Wrap-Up Thursday May 24 @ 4:30 – 6pm Steam Plant Grill

Thanks for registering and riding! Please find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with bike-related events. ~ The Spokane Bikes All-Volunteer Team

PS: Who should register at spokanebikes.net? Everyone who rides a bike, that's who! We are not just about biking to work. Bike for fun, bike for health, bike to shop, or bike to win -- we're here for every reason that Spokane Bikes.

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