An estimated 6,000 people will toss aside their car keys and drive to work on two wheels this morning as part of national Bike to Work Day.
Sponsored locally by the Washington Area Bicycle Association, the event features 21 pit stops across the region where cyclists can stop and relax and listen to various speakers. According to WABA officials, nearly 2,000 more people are participating this year.
“This is a great chance for residents across the city … to get on their bikes and head off to work,” said D.C. Department of Transportation acting Director Michelle Pourciau. “With gas prices sky-high, there’s never been a better time to rally in support of alternative ways to get to work.”
In conjunction with the event, Metro said it will spend $200,000 over the next year to replace about 640 bicycle racks. Metro owns about 90 percent of the more than 1,800 bike racks outside of 74 rail stations. A recent Metro study found that nearly half of all bikes racks across the system are full every weekday.
“A few years ago, bicycle racks were installed on all Metro buses,” said Dan Tangherlini, Metro interim general manager. “Replacing the racks outside of rail stations is another strong step in our ongoing efforts to improve access for bicyclists.”
At a glance
»Bicyclists can use Metrorail weekdays during off-peak hours and anytime on the weekends.
» Bikes are not permitted on trains during certain holidays or special events due to large crowds.
» For information on 2006 Bike to Work Day, visit www.waba.org.
» Since 2001, DDOT has striped 17 miles of bicycle lanes, installed 400 bike racks and started work on several major trails — including the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
