Categories: Events

National Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 20th, Philly!

Get ready to start your engine… Get your bikes ready!

This Friday, May 20th is National Bike to Work Day (a highlight of May being Bike Month!).  I encourage all you to get on board at America’s #1 bike-commuting city (Philly, silly!) before the North-South Bike lanes begin in Philly next month!

Events kick off at 8 AM on Friday – Join Mayor Nutter, Rep. Bob Brady and Rep. Chaka Fattah at the footsteps of the Art Museum to get a group photo and bike to Dilworth Plaza, where Mayor Nutter will speak.

If you’re feeling challenged, the Bicycling Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s 2011 Commuter Challenge starts Friday and goes through the summer. Competing co-workers can log their miles to compete with other companies – with winners being announced in August so they can Bike Philly for free! Go Sign up here.

But I have nothing to wear!” The Frisky has some suggestions for you (I personally have the Giro Skyla helmet, fyi!)

Still not convinced? What about this stat (based off of Bike Coalition’s point that  50% of the US population commutes less than 5 miles to work, but 82% of car trips are made within 5 miles):

Light Cycling burns 35-42 cals per mile (150 lbs) = 175 miles burned/5 miles

Driving a Car for 5 miles burns apprx  (132 cals per hour/145 LB person) = 33 calories for 15 minutes/half hour

So get skinny, healthy, and happy by biking. Starting Friday, of course. (or today if you want…)

Posted by Julie

Photos courtesy of Streetsblog NY & Philly’s Bike Coalition

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

3 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

4 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

5 days ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

1 week ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago