It is that time of year again everyone, our annual Curb Your Car During Bike Work Week Event was held May 16th - 20th, 2011. A challenge was put out to employers in Sangamon County to encourage employees to leave their cars at home during Bike to Work Week and instead bike, walk, run, or take the bus to work.
This year the Curb Your Car During Bike to Work Week Challenge is a collaborative effort of Ace Bicycle Shop, Biketek Inc., Café Moxo, Cummins Engineering Corporation, Food Fantasies, Grab-A-Java, Maldaner’s Restaurant, R&M Cyclery, Springfield Bicycle Club, Springfield Mass Transit District, Springfield Road Runners Club, Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, St. John’s Hospital, State of Illinois, Sunsup Koffee Kafe and Wheel Fast Bicycle Company.
Click here for a report on the team based competition. The report includes the winners of the 3 employer based categories, the longest commute winners and some statistics about the event. The winners of the prize drawings are listed here.
PHOTO CONTEST
Congratulations to the American Red Cross team for winning the most votes for their picture submission. The American Red Cross team will receive a $25 gift certificate to Grab-a-Java.
REFERENCE
Commuters choosing to ride a bus to work can check out bus routes and schedules at the SMTD website. Thinking about running? Check out mapmyrun.com to check on the mileage. The website 10 Tips for Walking to Work offers advice that may be helpful for people relying on their own two feet to get to work.
The AARP has published The Getting Around Guide: An AARP Guide to Walking, Bicycling and Public Transportation. Download the guide for more information.
Especially for Bikers:
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).
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.
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.
