Bike To Work Day demonstrates the many transportation benefits of bicycling

Across the country today, folks are observing National Bike to Work Day, an annual celebration of bicycle commuting.  I think it's a terrific way to wrap up National Transportation Week because it reminds us that bicyclists--like car-poolers, truckers, and other drivers--are important users of America's roadways. 

I'm particularly pleased that so many DOT employees at our headquarters took advantage of the nice weather in Washington, DC, and rode their bikes into work today.

Some of the DOT employees who biked to work gather on our headquarters steps

DOT Undersecretary for Policy Roy Kienitz and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff, spoke to a large crowd at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's annual Bike to Work Day rally at Freedom Plaza.

This year, the association registered more than 10,000 cyclists who biked to work, some in commuter convoys, to 49 different pit-stops throughout the region.  Over 2,000 cyclists stopped by the Freedom Plaza event on their way to work to get to know their fellow cyclists and celebrate the benefits of cycling.

FTA Administrator Rogoff, Undersecretary Roy Kienitz at Freedom Plaza rally

I’ve said many times before on this blog that bicycling should no longer be treated as a second-class form of transportation when it comes to policymaking. Administrator Rogoff emphasized that idea today:

"The Obama Administration has been making great progress to advance cycling as a mainstream, efficient way to commute to work.  These roads are meant to be shared, and we're helping to make that happen."

And with gas prices above four dollars a gallon in many communities, bicycling has become an even more sensible option. As Administrator Rogoff said, "Cycling is more than just a healthy way to get around; it goes right to the core of achieving President Obama's effort to reduce our nation's dependence on oil."

Look, bicycling has tremendous benefits. Riding a bike gives Americans the chance to keep fit, reach their destination, and save money at the gas pump.  It's also just an enjoyable activity.

DOT's Amy Scarton sits with one of my favorite Presidents in a DC pedicab

That's why Undersecretary Kienitz spoke today about DOT’s efforts to make bicycling safer and easier.  As he said, "If a 65-year-old Republican from Peoria can support cycling, anyone can."

I don't know who Undersecretary Kienitz was referring to, but I agree with him.

To foster options that allow Americans to leave their cars at home, DOT'’s TIGER grant program supports the creation of livable communities that treat cycling and walking as valued elements of the nation’s transportation system.

We’re promoting bicycle and pedestrian-friendly “complete streets” policies, which help ensure the roads we build and repair are safe and convenient for everyone.  And the FTA is providing grants for bicycle projects within three miles of a transit facility that improve access to public transit.

In addition, we are encouraging children to walk and bike to school safely through our Safe Routes to Schools Programs.

It’s clear that Bike to Work Day was once again a great success and an effective reminder that bicycling is part of the solution to America's transportation challenges.  Congratulations to everyone who hit the streets today!

DOT professionals sign in at Yards Park pit-stop

Comments

[Bikemonterey]

Your work is much appreciated here in Monterey County, which is on its way to becoming one of the most bike-friendly places in the nation.

We strongly encourage our county's visitors and residents to consider our many bike-and-ride options--combining bicycling with use of everything from local bus system to hotel shuttles to corporation aviation services--rather than think they can't use a bike to get where they want to go. http://marilynch.com/blog/tips-for-tourists/the-bike-and-ride-option

Thank you for all you do to help make bicycling a terrific transportation choice.

[Jose - perfume]

Excellent initiative, I would have liked to participate, will be for the next. Yours sincerely

[Tom McDonald]

Great to see support from the FHWA, FTA, and DOT leads from around the country.

[high top trainers]

Thanks for encouraging children to walk and bike to school safely through your Safe Routes to Schools Programs.

[Ben Buchwalter]

Bike to Work Day was also a great success here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I read recently that the number of cyclists in San Francisco and Oakland have increased each year for the past five, and the number of cyclists throughout California continues to grow. With this in mind, I hope to see city and state governments continue to fund infrastructure improvements to make cycling safer and remind motorists and bicyclists alike to share the road.

[David S. McQueen]

Bicycling is great! Just as long as there are no hills, no traffic and clear/dry weather.

What happens to the 20-mile commute in pouring rain with bumper-to-bumper traffic and you have to pick up groceries on the way home? Will you then mandate bicycle lanes parallel to the highways? What will THAT cost?

Look, guys, bicycling is fine in urban areas and parks, but it is completely unrealistic in rural areas or in large urban areas where commuters have 20 or more miles to commute. In Texas, for example, a lawyer who has to bicycle to the courthouse in 95 degree weather will show up soaking wet with sweat. No judge will tolerate that.

I'm asking for some critical thinking from the Obama administration. Or is that simply too much to wish for?

[Tom Kanhofer]

I believe that if bicyclists are to be able to share public roads, then they should have to contribute to the finances needed for construction, repair and upkeep of these roads. A bicycle license would be a start.
Especially if roads are now going to consider plans for bicycle riding in the future.

[HomeTivi]

Your work is much appreciated here in Monterey County, which is on its way to becoming one of the most bike-friendly places in the nation.

We strongly encourage our county's visitors and residents to consider our many bike-and-ride options--combining bicycling with use of everything from local bus system to hotel shuttles to corporation aviation services--rather than think they can't use a bike to get where they want to go