National Bike to Work Day, May 18: A Bike Wichita Press Release

May 18th is a big day for cycling in Wichita considering we will be hosting our open house and it is also National Bike to Work Day. Bike Wichita has organized a Commuter challenge to help bring awareness to commuting options (or some may say "lack thereof") within Wichita. Below is their press release describing the event:

Wichita, KS – Commuting to work by bus, car or bicycle is relatively easy in Wichita. Or is it? The Commuter Challenge will pit Jemelle Holopirek from KAKE, Kara Sewell from KWCH and Emily Deaver from KSCW against one another in a challenge to see who can arrive at City Hall first, using the bus, a car and a bicycle.  All three-television personalities will begin at Panera Bread Company at Hillside and Central at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 18, National Bike to Work Day. The destination is the City’s Law Enforcement Memorial at Central and Main, where City leaders will hold a press conference to analyze the various mode of transportation within the city. The community is invited to attend.

This event is put together to celebrate the bicycle, after-all it is National Bike to Work Day. More importantly, however, this event brings awareness to the community that there are various forms of transportation within our city and that bicycling is not only great for fun and recreation, but it is a perfect mode of transportation.

Naturally, we at The Bike Cave will be rooting for the cyclist, but not without much love to all three women for their generous involvement. Of course, members of the bike cave would love to throw out some tips: Firstly, don't be afraid to ride on the street! Not only is it faster, but cars are more of your presence than they would be if you were on the side walk, so in many aspects, it's safer. Secondly, wear a helmet and ride with confidence! With a little gusto, a cyclist is perfectly capable of beating a car from Hillside and Central to downtown Wichita. It's all downhill, baby. Of course, always remember to obey traffic rules and use hand signals. Now for some fast facts included in the press release:

Bicycling is for everyone. 15% of the U.S. population rides a bicycle making it the second most popular outdoor activity in the US. Bicycling is fun, healthy and smart.

Bicycling is the ideal way to take short trips. Most trips Americans make are less than 3 miles. With the price of gas and parking concerns bicycling just makes sense.

Bicycling can improve your health. Adults who bike to work have better weight, blood pressure and overall health and children who bike are less likely to be overweight as adults.

Bicycling is less expensive than driving. The average households spend nearly $9,000 on car payments and vehicle operating expenses per year. Just one round trip commute of 10 miles saves the bicyclist around $10.00 a day.

Bicycling reduces road congestion and air pollution. For every 1 mile pedaled rather than driving, nearly 1 pound of CO2 is saved.

Bicycling is safe, and together we can make it safer. The health benefits of bicycling outweigh the risks of bicycling. The more people who ride, the safer bicycling becomes. Both motorists and bicyclist can exist on the same road.

Still not interested? How about for a free lunch? In addition, all bicycle commuters are invited to the Old Town Plaza (near the Warren Theater) on Friday, May 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., grub provided by Jimmy Johns.