BIKE TO WORK WEEK 2008

This is our 6th year for this event! We again will celebrate bicycling related events all week long! May 16th is the official "Bike To Work" day.  Please join us each day from May 10th through May 16th for Bike to Work Week!

The purposes of Bike to Work Week is to encourage people to try bike commuting, increase cycling awareness and promote a healthy alternative form of transportation.

This week-long event is nationally recognized and last year the Des Moines metro area had over 1,400 registered riders. Cities throughout the nation are organizing events like this one, but few can tout the number of registered riders we have. WE WANT 2,000 REGISTERED RIDERS THIS YEAR. With our trail systems expanding and our city officials passing resolutions to become more bike friendly, cycling to and from work has never been easier. Governor Culver proclaims May 2008 as Bike Iowa Month (view proclamation).

Register for FREE and become eligible to win over $1,000 dollars in Bike Bucks! We ask people to register to ride for a couple of reasons. First, it helps us know how many cyclists will be commuting and the distance of the commutes. This information is very important as we continue to lobby local, state and federal politicians for bicycle friendly communities. Second, by registering, we can reward folks for their efforts through various prizes. Register now.

• The first 500 registered riders will receive this year’s Bike to Work socks by SockGuy… they are red this year so you can start a keepsake collection.
• We are continuing and expanding our Employer and Bike Club challenge. We will have awards for the employer with the most bicycle commuters registered with our site, the bike club with the most registered riders and a few individual awards.
• Every FRIDAY between April 4 and May 9th, we will draw winners for $50 gift certificates to area bike shops.
• Over $1,000 in prizes will be given away to registered commuters.

Registering does make a difference! We are proving to cities, state officials and other organizations that there is public demand to make cycling better in Iowa! In 2006 the survey results helped pick spots for over 200 bike racks in Des Moines. It aided in getting the first bike lanes in Des Moines.  The successful bike rack program through DART was launched in 2005 after interests from Bike to Work participants in 2004 and 2005. Today there are over 100 bus racks that have been installed with 3,000 riders per month in the cycling season. What can we make happen this year? 

Is there a better time to start commuting? Gas is over $3.00 per gallon! Global warming and carbon footprints are major topics and this is a great way for you to make a difference! There have been many trail improvements and connectors in the metro area and the DART buses continue to have record usage for the bike rack usage each month!  So why not commute by bike?!? 

Bike Teams and Clubs - Get your members involved. Volunteer to head-up a Staging Location. Prizes will be awarded for the bike clubs with the most participation!

Think about your Route - Do you know which route you can take into work? Can you get there by existing bicycle trails?

Bike to Work Week events are organized all over the state. If you are from another city and have coordinated efforts for Bike to Work in your area, we'd love to post your information! Remember, we can only showcase what we know about.

Bike to Work Day is a project of BIKEIOWA.com, The Iowa Bicycle Coalition, The Des Moines Parks & Recreation, The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), and a bunch of passionate volunteers! 

Thanks to the Sponsors, the volunteers and everyone else who makes this event a Great Success!