Bike To Work Day 2018 Delayed By Weather

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Commuters in Anne Arundel County were orginally expected to trade their cars for bikes on May 18, to take part in Bike to Work Day 2018. But the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, which coordinates the 21st annual event in the Baltimore region, said Wednesday that the soggy and stormy weather forecast has prompted them to delay events.

Bike To Work Day in the Baltimore region is postponed until Friday, June 1, because of forecasted severe weather this Friday, organizers said. "The spirit of Bike to Work Day is to promote bicycling as a safe and healthy commuting option. While many cyclists regularly commute in an array of weather, the threat of flooding and lightening storms, present very real concerns for participants' safety from the Bike to Work Day committee and local public safety agencies," the group said in a news release.

More than 1,500 cyclists have registered to meet up at 48 pit stop locations around the Baltimore region for the 21st annual Bike to Work Day. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, May 30. Those who registered for May 18 pit stops do not need to re-register.

Register for a Bike to Work Day Pit Stop.

In Anne Arundel County, organizers expect hundreds of cyclists at more than 35 events and pit stops throughout the region. Bike to Work Day events will feature group convoy rides, bicycle tune-ups, riding challenges, free food and drinks, free custom 2018 T-shirts, and other prizes - including two bikes. Cyclists must register for a pit stop to be eligible for the T-shirt or enter into the raffle for two Trek FX 2 bicycles.

“Bike to Work Day brings together hundreds of cyclists - from Annapolis to Aberdeen and Columbia to Towson - to show the public that they, too, can commute by bike,” said Michael B. Kelly, executive director of BMC. “This year, 23 percent of our registered cyclists reported that this is their first Bike to Work Day, demonstrating the celebration of biking throughout the region for commuters of all skill levels.”

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Bike to Work Day is a national campaign that celebrates bicycling as a healthy commuting option, while promoting public awareness of its safety and environmental factors. Organizers say the day helps raise awareness of the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, and highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.

"Traffic is something that will only get worse over the years. We have to combat it with changing the way we travel; it's inevitable if we want to continue to live productive, comfortable lives," said Anne Arundel spokeswoman Tabith Ernst. "Using carpools, vanpools, transit, and even biking and walking are all great alternatives to driving alone in one vehicle. That's why we hold Bike to Work Day; we hope to awaken the interest of our citizens to commute using bicycles when they can. Not only can they help to reduce traffic congestion, but then they have exercise incorporated into their daily routine."

Pit Stops

All Anne Arundel County pit stops will run from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on June 1, with the exception of the main pit stop event. The main event for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County runs from 7 to 9 a.m. with the ceremony running from 8 to 8:30 a.m. in the Downtown Annapolis Market House, 25 Market Space.

Groups and individual riders can register on this website.

Annapolis Main Event: The top pit stop for Anne Arundel County will feature prizes, on-site bike mechanics, and speeches from Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh; Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley; County Councilman Chris Trumbauer and Anne Arundel County Bike Commission Chair and Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County President Jon Korin.

Other Pit Stops:

Annapolis Velo Bike Shop, 436 Chinquapin Round Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401 —Annapolis Velo Bike Shop will provide bike tune-ups for cyclists.

Baltimore Coffee and Tea Shop of Odenton, 1110 Town Center Blvd., Odenton, MD 21113—Baltimore Coffee and Tea Shop will provide coffee for cyclists.

B&A Trail at Big Bean Coffee Shop and Pedal Pushers Bicycle Shop, 558 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park, MD 21146 —Big Bean Coffee shop will provide refreshments, while Pedal Pushers Bicycle Shop will provide bike tune-ups.

B&A Trail at Earleigh Heights Ranger Station, 51 West Earliegh Heights, Severna Park, MD 21146 —Restrooms are available at this pit stop.

Bike Doctor of Annapolis, 2020 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

Cafe Joe's @ the National Business Park, 114 National Business Parkway, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 — Additional details TBA

Heritage Complex, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Ski Haus Sports Center in Annapolis, 824 East College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 2140

Anne Arundel County residents bike at least two days every week to work, they can sign up for Guaranteed Ride Home, which gives cyclists a secure and free ride home if they ever become ill, and cannot bike home, or if they are asked to work late by a supervisor. It's also great for family emergencies when a commuter doesn't have time to bike back home. If anyone is interested in joining that program, they can find more information about it at CommuterCrew.org.

This year, for the first time, registered Bike To Work Day participants who want to get their participatory T-shirt must bring either a printed or digital copy of their tickets. Volunteers should be equipped with a QR reader on their phones, which will allow them to scan participants they come in.

Organizers welcome all (who are 18 and older) to come, and have a few tips for bikers and riders as the special day approaches.

Reflectors unfortunately do very little. Cyclists should have a reflector that lights up, or flashlights instead of reflectors. Any light device that is used is best kept on the flashing setting, and placed on a moving body part. For example, wrapping something around one's ankle is more effective in making him or herself visible as opposed to putting that "reflector" on her or his backpack.

Drivers should leave at least 3 feet worth of space in between their car and cyclist they are passing.

Drivers should be extra cautious when they pass cyclists right before entering an intersection. Sometimes cars will drive through an intersection and assume that a biker across the street is intends on riding straight across when they actually plan on going left.

About the Regional Event

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council will celebrate the 21st annual Bike to Work Day in the Baltimore region on Friday, June 1. The celebration will feature hundreds of cyclists at nearly 40 events throughout the region.

Find Your Pit Stop

On Friday, June 1, 2018 there will be dozens of Bike to Work Day pit stops all over the Baltimore metropolitan region, welcoming bicyclists. Each pit stop will provide registered attendees with free t-shirts and chances to win bicycles and other great prizes. Please be sure to register with your pit stop location to be eligible for the free t-shirts and prize raffle. T-shirts are available to the first 2,500 who register and attend. Feel free to visit multiple pit stops on Bike to Work Day but remember your free Bike to Work Day T-shirt can only be picked up at the pit stop you select during registration.

Image via Phanuwat_Nandee/Shutterstock.com