Richmond cyclists celebrate 30 years of Bike to Work Day
With energizer stations providing tote bags, coffee, and snacks, Richmond cyclists joined the Bay Area's largest biking event, marking 30 years of Bike to Work Day.
On Thursday morning, participants at more than 300 energizer stations across all nine Bay Area counties, including several in Richmond, warmly greeted cyclists.
By 8:30 a.m., more than 100 cyclists had stopped by the energizer stations at Macdonald Avenue and Key Boulevard or Unity Park. These stations were sponsored by the City of Richmond, Bike East Bay, the Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Rich City Rides.
All nine Bay Area counties hosted energizer stations on Bike to Wherever Day on Thursday, May 16. Photos/Soren Hemmila
According to the regional transportation planning agency, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, more than one million Bay Area residents live within five miles or less of their workplaces, which is an ideal distance for bicycling.
With many residents continuing to work from home, MTC encouraged people to bike to shop, run errands, or bike to school with their children to celebrate Bike Month.
“Every age and skill level is welcome, and every trip makes a difference,” said Clarrissa Cabansagan, Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition.
MTC, which organized Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days, has also brought back a re-imagined Bay Area Bike Challenge to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bike to Work Day, said Program Manager Ilyse Magy.
"The Bay Area Bike Challenge challenged bikers to ride a collective 30,000 miles and beyond from May 1-31 in honor of the 30th anniversary of Bike to Work Day," Magy said.
The challenge surpassed its initial goal in twelve days and has over 50,000 miles logged as of Thursday afternoon.
"Now we are encouraging riders to triple that goal and make it to 90,000," Magy said.
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