News Releases

May 8 News Release

Dear Bike to Work Participant,

Thank you so much for registering for Bike to Work Week, May 12-16. Over 700 participants had registered as of midday May 7, and more are rolling in. This is a strong signal to the community that bike commuting is here in a big way, and here to stay.

We'll be sending you a few emails over the next few days with reminders and event details. Check the web site at www.biketoworkspokane.org for more on the week's activities.

SPECIAL DEALS FOR CYCLISTS

Area businesses are supporting the events with special offers for cyclists. These and other specials are listed on the Bike to Work Spokane web site.

  • Bike commuting is already on display at Auntie's Bookstore, where Auntie
    herself is dressed in her cycling gear. Cyclists who come in the week of May 12-16 will receive a 15% discount on book purchases, and cycling books will be on display.
  • Great Harvest Bread Company, E. 2530 29th Avenue, will
    give out the Pedal Power Oatmeal Yummy Cookie to any cyclist who comes in May 12-18.
  • Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent, is giving away water bottles and a chance to win $50.
  • North Division Bike Shop, Two Wheel Transit, REI, and Fitness Fanatics have all donated prizes for the drawing on Friday.

BREAKFAST MONDAY--RAIN OR SHINE

Breakfast is in the Gondola Meadow of Riverfront Park, by the Bloomsday runners at Spokane Falls Blvd. and Post St, 7- 9 a.m. A brief program at 8 a.m. will feature remarks by Mayor Mary Verner.

The forecast for Monday predicts a chance of showers. We will hold the kickoff breakfast rain or shine, so have your waterproof gear handy if you're signed up to attend the breakfast. We will have pop-up awnings to protect the food and tables, so don't let rain dampen your spirits.

Speaking of a rain plan--if you've wondered what it's like to put your bike on an STA rack, be sure to stop by. We'll have an STA bus parked on Post Street--now's your chance to practice.

RIDE LEADERS

We encourage experienced riders to volunteer to lead a ride from a gathering place in your neighborhood to a central destination, such as downtown or a neighborhood center. Please provide details on the web site in the forum set up for that so others can look for you and
connect with riding buddies.

MAY 13 IS LIVESTRONG DAY

Dr. Vann Schaffner is promoting Tuesday, May 13 as href="http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2661959/">LIVESTRONG Day 2008, the Lance Armstrong Foundation's one-day initiative to raise awarenessand funds for the cancer fight. People are encouraged to bike to work on May 13 and wear yellow to show support for cancer survivors.

Information booths for the Loreen Miller Bike Ride, Cancer Patient Care and others will be open from 6:30-8:30 a.m. at Deaconess Health and Education Center, Rm 265, and a continental breakfast will be served. Details available at http://www.schaffnerfamily.com/BTWLD.htm" RSVP by Monday May 2.

BICYCLE ALLIANCE OF WASHINGTON

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington has supported this event from the beginning and serves as our nonprofit umbrella organization. They advocate for good bike policy across the state and have been an essential partner.

Their goal is to have 500 members in eastern Washington, and 500 people with the "Share the Road" license plate that supports bike advocacy efforts. Check out their web site at www.bicyclealliance.org and join BAW to add your voice to the growing number of people asking our state leaders to support cycling with investment and infrastructure, and enthusiasm.

BICYCLE ADVISORY BOARD

The City of Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board, our other lead organizational umbrella, is undertaking an update of the city's bike master plan. If you haven't already done so, review the draft and take the survey by following links from the BAB web site at www.bikespokane.net. (Maybe all this talk of umbrella organizations will protect us from the rain on Monday.)

barb

Barb Chamberlain
Chair, Bike to Work Spokane
May 12-16, 2008
www.biketoworkspokane.org

Work to eat. Eat to live. Live to bike. Bike to Work.