Bike to work on Friday, May 17th
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to pedal to work on Friday, May 17 on National Bike to Work Day. On their way to work, bike commuters are invited to stop by Headwaters Park West for a free breakfast that includes Starbucks coffee, bagels from the Bagel Station, and sweet treats from the Pembroke Bakery. The breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Temporary bike parking and restrooms will be available.
"Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, and you can save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time," Mayor Henry said. "I'm proud of our efforts to make Fort Wayne a bike-friendly community, and I encourage local residents to discover the fun and benefits of biking."
Before heading home for the day, bike commuters can stop between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for food and entertainment at Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St. The shop is located along the St. Marys Pathway of the Rivergreenway and immediately east of the historic Wells Street pedestrian bridge.
The League of American Bicyclists recognizes May as National Bike Month, with a special emphasis on the third Friday of May as national Bike to Work Day. According to the League, the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 47 percent between 2000 and 2011. Other facts presented by the League include:
• In 2012, Americans saved more than $4.6 billion by cycling instead of driving;
• When bicycling is substituted for short auto trips, 3.6 pounds of pollutants per mile are not emitted into the atmosphere; and
• A study of almost 2,400 adults found that those who biked to work were fitter, leaner, less likely to be obese, and had better triglyceride levels, blood pressure and insulin levels than those who didn't active commute (bike, walk, etc.) to work.
For more information about Bike to Work Day, bike commuting tips and more Bike Month activities, visit http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikefortwayne.