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Click on the thumbnail pictures below to check out just some of the activities and promotions from this year's
Curb Your Car on Bike to Work Day
Thanks to all of our partners and co-sponsors for helping to promote Curb Your Car on Bike to Work Day.
Getting people out of their cars has such a positive impact on not only personal health, but also finances and the environment. Some interesting facts:
> If just 5% of workers living in Springfield who currently drive their car to work would curb their car for one day, 1,016 gallons of gas would be saved and 9.9 tons of carbon dioxide would not be released into the atmosphere.
> Anyone biking, walking or running would burn 50 calories per mile.
Please let us know how things went by filling out our survey after your trip to work on Curb Your Car on Bike to Work Day. The Planning Commission will compile and post the results at a later date.
Resources
Plan your route
Planning your route is one of the most important elements in finding an enjoyable ride to work. Consider routes that are a little more circuitous—you won’t regret the extra time you spend when your ride is more enjoyable for being less heavily trafficked.
Online bicycle maps:
The League of Illinois Bicyclists has developed a map which suggests routes for bicycle travel throughout the Springfield area. The back of the map provides resources and useful information for safer biking.
The Planning Commission has put bike trails and routes online in Google Maps. These routes should be considered as preliminary and advisory—in fact, we need your help: if you use the routes below, please take a look at what we have and notify us of any errors (DaleS@co.sangamon.il.us).
Online bicycle maps
View Larger Map
Individual Maps
Know the law
Bicycles obey traffic laws similar to those for cars—bike laws are even in the vehicular code. Understanding the law is good for cyclists for the same reason it is good for cars: predictability creates safety. The League of Illinois Bicyclists has put together a handy notecard-sized review of bicycle laws in Illinois—download it, print it out, and keep it handy. Ride safely
Check out these ten tips for a safe commute.
How to dress
Last, take a look at one rider’s recommendations for getting to work without looking shabby.
Protect your bike!
It’s sad but true: no matter how good your lock is, there is always a chance of theft. Registering your bike with the City of Springfield (do it online here) can help you recover your bike if it is ever stolen.
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