This Friday, May 16, is "National Bike to Work Day." This biker-dedicated holiday is the perfect time to inflate the tires, shake the rust off the chain and pedal along a scenic route to work as spring has finally arrived.
Besides giving you a great workout, biking is extremely eco-friendly. It requires no fuel, toxic batteries or motor oil and there are no carbon emissions as a result. If you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint, tire tracks from your bicycle might be the place to start.
Thousands of people all over the U.S. will partake in National Bike to Work Day. For those suiting up for the first time this season, be sure to check your tires, gears and chain.
If the holiday itself isn't enough to pull you from your vehicle, consider this: In a 10-mile round-trip commute five days a week for year, a small car emits almost 1 ton of carbon dioxide, according to Grand Valley State University.
Ilchi Lee, a dedicated advocate for a sustainable world, reminds us that bicycling significantly reduces transportation emissions while cutting traffic congestion and the need for petroleum. Cars are one of the leading culprits of pollutants that harm the environment, so be sure to partake in the national holiday.
For some people, every day is bike-to-work day. Stan Ricciuti, who lives in Philadelphia and works 10 miles away in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is one of those people. Ricciuti has biked to and from work for the past three decades, averaging at least 30 miles a day. Talk about energy efficiency!
Pedaling to Work
To be careful along the road, make sure to pick a route that's not crowded, such as the lesser-known, small streets. To prevent getting sore or chafing from cycling, wear padded shorts and bring a change of dress clothes to swap into once you arrive at the office.