Thousands of DC area commuters are gearing up to pedal to work this Thursday, May 15th for Bike to Work Day. This free annual event encourages commuters to come together in support of a healthy and environmentally-friendly way to get to work. With over 100 pit stops in DC, MD and VA, Bike to Work Day (BTWD) offers commuters a fun and supportive alternate way to travel to and from the office.
From pit stops to perks, here are some tips on how to make the most of Bike to Work Day in the DC area.
1. Register for Bike to Work Day
Click here to register for the event. In order to participate in pit stops, snag a Bike to Work Day T-shirt, and join a commuter convoy, you'll need to register online.
2. Find a Bike
If you don't already own a bike, you can rent a bike for the day or by the hour.
Capital Bikeshare is an easy and convenient place to start. With thousands of bikes across the DC metro area, cyclists can rent a bike for a single trip, by the day, or even opt for an annual membership. Their website offers station maps and directions on how to use their service so riders can plan their trip ahead of time and find stations local to both home and the office. Plus, they are offering $5 off for first-time riders this week in honor of BTWD (use promo code BTWD25).
Local bike rental companies also offer equipment rentals (such as helmets and locks) in addition to bike rentals, providing a one-stop-shop for new riders. Unlimited Biking rents standard bikes and e-bikes in the District and Big Wheel Bikes has rental locations to check out in Northern Virginia.
3. Plan your Route
When riding a bike to work for the first time, planning your route will be integral to getting to work safely (and on time!). Luckily, the DC area is home to an extensive network of trails connecting neighborhoods, regions, and streets with paths, bike lanes, and scenic nature routes to help get you there. Below, are a few local trails to get you started:
Bethesda to DC -
- Capital Crescent Trail - A car-free trail from downtown Bethesda to Georgetown, commuters can enjoy a scenic route of wooded areas and public parks along the way.
Silver Spring to DC -
- Metropolitan Branch Trail - Following along with the Metro's Red Line, this trail winds from Silver Spring, MD all the way down to Union Station.
Alexandria to DC -
- Mount Vernon Trail - This extensive, 18-mile long trail stretches from Theodore Roosevelt island in DC to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. Access points are scattered throughout the area, with multiple route choices from Old Town Alexandria alone.
Commuter Connections offers an on-street and off-street map of bike routes throughout the area to help you find the paths, trails, and on-street lanes to get where you need to go.
4. Understand the Rules of the Road (and Trails)
Now that you've planned your route and have your bike ready, keep safety in mind when preparing for the day. Bike helmets, bells, reflective lights, and locks are quick and easy ways to stay safe.
Commuter Connection's Bicycling to Work Guide provides helpful information including:
- Cycling rules in DC, Maryland and Virginia (such as if cyclists can ride on sidewalks, how to pass cars, etc)
- Trail etiquette
- How to make predictable movements for improved safety
5. What to Wear
Here are some posts about what's best to wear when cycling to work, how to stay clean, dry and fresh and more.
- How to Commute to Work on a Bike and Still Look Polished
- How to Transition from the Bike to the Office in 10 Minutes
- What to Wear for Commuting by Bike
While it may seem obvious, don't forget to stash a change of clothes in your backpack or at the office the day before. You (and your coworkers) will thank yourself later for thinking ahead.
6. Recruit a Friend or Travel in a Pack
Recruit a friend, coworker, or neighbor to come along for the ride! One of the best parts of BTWD is the comradery. Along your route, you'll pass other riders sporting their BTWD T-shirts, cheering each other on, and reaching out for a high five as they pedal past. If no one in your circle can make it, BTWD has set up groups of bikers, called commuter convoys, all led by experienced bicycle commuters.
These convoys travel through popular employment centers, pit stops, and trails, each with specific starting points and routes, making it easy for riders to find one. Riders are welcome to meet up at the starting point or join in along the way. If the idea of biking to work for the first time is intimidating, commuter convoys are a great way to get started.
7. Take a Break at a Pit Stop & Enjoy the Festivities
Make sure to leave some time to stop at one of the 100+ pit stops scattered throughout the Washington metropolitan region in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Riders can meet up and mingle while enjoying free refreshments, enter to win raffle prizes, and more. Have some fun before you get to work and get to know other riders in your neighborhood.
Some communities even turn their pit stops into an event. Downtown Bethesda's morning event will offer free breakfast from 6:30am - 8:30am, as well as giveaways and a DJ!
In Market Square (301 King Street), Old Town Alexandria's event will include speakers, local vendors, giveaways, and music from a live DJ to get the morning started.
8. Celebrate Your Healthy, Eco-Friendly Commute
There are many benefits of biking to work. These include living a more sustainable lifestyle, health benefits, cost savings and more.
- Environmental benefits: Biking to work reduces household emissions and the number of cars on the road.
- Health benefits: These may include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved mental well-being and weight loss.
- Cost savings: Getting rid of a monthly car payment and the associated expenses could help you save money.
Click here to learn more.
Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or participating for BTWD for the first time, this annual event offers a built-in support system and fun experience as you enjoy an alternate way of commuting to the office. With the environmental, health, and economical benefits of biking to work, you might just find your new normal.
Happy Bike to Work Day!
