Rhode Islanders Encouraged To Bike To Work May 13-17

In honor of National Bike Month, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to leave their car at home and pedal instead. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has declared May 13 to 17 as Bike To Work Week, encouraging commuters to try the healthier, environmentally-friendly option.

The week-long event begins on Monday and will be capped off with a closing party at The Black Duck in East Providence on Friday, the official Bike To Work Day.

Ditching your car in favor of a bicycle offers multiple personal and environmental benefits, including saving money on gas, improving personal health, reducing vehicle emissions and reducing traffic congestion.

For those with a longer commute, RIPTA encourages the public to combine public transportation with biking, taking the bus partway and biking for the rest. Doing so still has a positive impact, as it reduces individual vehicle emissions and saves money on gas. All fixed-route RIPTA buses have bike racks attached.

To encourage participation, the department will be setting up stations around the state with raffle prizes, giveaways and snacks for riders. Prizes include $200 gift cards to NBX Bike and Newport Bicycles.

Stations will be set up in the following locations:

• Monday: Base of the George Washington Bridge, East Providence, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Tuesday: Intersection of Ship and Richmond Streets, Providence, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Wednesday: Memorial Park, South Main Street, Providence, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Thursday: Providence Amtrak Station, 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Friday: Burnside Park, Providence; Eisenhower Park in Washington Park, Newport; parking lot on Railroad Street in Peace Dale, South Kingstown.

On Friday, Black Duck Tavern will host an end-of-week party from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come by on a bike and receive a free drink. RIPTA Commuter Resource RI staff will be there with more giveaways and information.

"This will be a fun week that could result in some people changing their commuting habits for the better," said Barbara Polichetti, RIPTA’s Director of Public Affairs. "We’re very grateful to have great local sponsors partnering with us, and as always, want to stress that it’s not about who rides the most miles – it’s about giving bike commuting a try and having some fun in the process."