Bike to Work Day draws thousands

Residents in the metro area enjoyed a greener two-wheeled commute as an estimated 35,277 riders traveled 623,705 miles – or 25 times around planet Earth -- on Wednesday, June 27 for the region’s Bike to Work Day. This year’s Bike to Work Day highlights include: Thirty-nine percent of riders were first-time participants 786 businesses and organizations participated in the Business Challenge 300 breakfast, water and evening stations Average one-way commute was 8.8 miles 270 tons of CO2 saved 38.8 million calories burned “Bike to Work Day was created to encourage people to try biking and to raise awareness of its many benefits,” said Doug Rex, executive director of Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). “We love seeing the excitement and energy on the big day. We hope people realize how easy it is, appreciate the benefits and continue to choose bike commuting more often.” The event motto is “bike today for a better tomorrow,” bringing awareness to the many benefits of bike commuting. Bike commuters are less stressed and a little richer with each trip they take, compared to single-occupant vehicle drivers. It’s also healthier and could actually save time if you live within five miles of your workplace. Bike commuting is also much better for the region, resulting in less traffic congestion and better air quality. Biking is now the fastest growing mode of transportation in the region. In a 2017 Bike to Work Day follow-up survey, 38 percent of participants reported continuing to bike for commutes and other trips after the event.