Light Rain Doesn’t Dampen Bay Area Bike to Work Day 2019 Enthusiasm
Misty, windy and cool conditions did not stop tens of thousands of riders from pedaling to work and school, stopping to get treats and commemorative 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary canvas tote bags at one of 400 energizer stations staffed by volunteers from bike coalitions, local companies and governments across the region.
Nearly 100,000 strong, the bicyclists turned a typical May Thursday morning commute into a huge boost to the environment and their own good health.
Presented by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), 511.org and Alaska Airlines, Bike to Work Day encourages Bay Area residents to leave their cars at home or skip the bus/train/ferry for the day and commute on two wheels.
“I like the energy. That’s the best thing. Everyone cheering the people riding their bikes,” said MTC Chairman Scott Haggerty, who was at the energizer station at Dublin/Pleasanton BART early Thursday morning. “I think it really shows that riding a bike is good for your mental health. It’s also about protecting the environment for future generations.”
Napa Supervisor and MTC Vice-Chairman Alfredo Pedroza also participated in the ride.
“Biking to work is definitely something to celebrate,” Pedroza said. “And for a lot of people it’s a celebration that doesn’t have to happen just once a year. If you’re lucky enough to live within a few miles of work, riding a bike is a great option for a daily commute. It’s active, it’s healthy and it’s fun.”
Annabel Chang, Alaska Airlines' vice president of the Bay Area, said the event was a natural fit for the airline.
“As one of the presenting sponsors of Bay Area Bike to Work Day, Alaska Airlines is dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable and convenient travel options,” she said.
Alaska offered the first 500 Mileage Plan members the opportunity to earn enough miles for a free one-way flight between select cities, like San Francisco to San Diego.
“We asked that they post a photo of themselves participating in BTWD 2019 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook,” Chang said. “It was a great, fun incentive for bike commuters to get out and ride with us.”
A long list of Bay Area electeds and notables participated with the riders. A full list can be found here
