By Craig Beavers, AICP Candidate

Coming up on May 16th is National Bike to Work Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday of May. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 52% of all trips taken were less than three miles. This is a feasible distance for many to take other modes of transportation other than driving, yet many Pennsylvanians elect to drive instead. To promote biking as a healthy, safe, and sustainable alternative to cars, National Bike to Work Day was created in the 1950s by the League of American Bicyclists.

As planners, it is important to practice what we preach and promote multimodal transportation – not only in words but in action as well. Bicycle transportation promotes healthier communities, reduced carbon emissions, and more social atmospheres, all key goals that we strive to achieve in our work.  If you are able, we encourage you to consider dusting off your bicycle on the 16th and taking it for a ride, even for a fraction of your typical commute.