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MAIN 2024 National Bike to Work Day
This year, it's celebrated on Friday, May 17, 2024 as millions of commuters get a workout going to work on TWO wheels! Hitting the trail more than a half-century ago, National Bike to Work Day was originated by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956 to encourage biking as an alternative to driving to work. Today, the observance is part of National Bike Month which helps to raise awareness of "commuting without polluting". And, with more people working at home, emphasis is also being put on "bike hikes" to Starbucks or for errands to the local home-office supply store. Of course, you don't have to wait for National Bike to Work Day to start biking. Begin now and it's almost guaranteed you'll be getting a great cardiovascular workout, shed unwanted pounds, and save lots of money on gas and parking.
• Around the globe, those who bike to work each day include the Dutch who top the list at 30 percent, followed by Japan at 15 percent and the USA trailing behind at less than 2 percent. • According to Bicycling magazine, more than half of all Americans live less than 5-10 miles from work, a trip that usually can be accomplished in under an hour. • There are about 18,000 miles of bike paths and trails in the U.S. • In a 2009 survey of major U.S. cities, New York City headed the major population centers who made it a habit of biking to work everyday at more than 22,000 people (followed by Los Angeles at 17,345 and Portland at 16,846). • The average cost of a new car in the U.S.? $30,000. The average cost of a new bike? $385. With a little preparation, biking to work can be fun and easy. If you live in a large city, scout out an easy bike path route. You can also go interactive with Google maps by searching for your designated city. Then, find the menu icon And -- most importantly -- WEAR A HELMET! This bit of protective gear is responsible for avoiding serious injury from falls or spills more than any other. Seek out information on Bike to Work Month events which usually occur along major designated bike paths. They're fun, friendly, and may offer valuable tips on the best bike routes to get to work each day. Just ask. If your workplace isn't bike friendly, discuss the possibility of installing bike racks or bike parking onsite. (Hint: employers should be aware that physically fit employees are hardworking, on-time employees who take less sick time!) Bad weather? Wear brightly colored rain gear -- then smile and wave to commuters on the highway where traffic is usually slowed to a standstill during morning and evening rush hours. Have fun!
National Bike to Work Day : 7 Tips (Photos) - Archived Huffington Post feature with a guide to enjoying the day via a cool photo slideshow. National Bike to Work Day at Holiday Insights - History, fun facts and related resources.
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Happy National Bike to Work Day! 
and click on bicyling to find cycling routes anywhere on the planet. Or, ask coworkers who already bike to work for tips and advice on the route they take.
If you haven't biked for a while, ensure proper maintenance on your bike so it's fit for the road. Then, take a few weekends beforehand to leisurely get your body in shape.
