Pennsylvania will join states across the nation in recognizing May 2014 as National Bike Month, as well as May 12 to 16 as Bike to Work Week, and May 16 as Bike to Work Day.

“Biking is a great, emissions-free mode of transportation,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “You can go to work or bike for fun, either way you are reducing the amount of cars on the road and improving our air quality.”

To commemorate Bike to Work Day, executive staff from the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Education, Environmental Protection, Health and Transportation will be accompanied by local cycling experts on Friday, May 16, during a five-mile bicycle ride through Harrisburg.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the ride will start at the Keystone Building at 400 North St., travel through parts of Harrisburg, the Greenbelt and the Capitol Complex; and end at the Keystone Building, where the Spoke ’n Gear Bicycle Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Bicycling commuters in the Harrisburg area and those interested in learning more about bicycle commuting are especially encouraged to participate.

DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo will kick off the expo, which will feature exhibitors and presenters addressing various bicycle commuting options and resources. Demonstrations, clinics and workshops will be offered throughout the day.

Attendees will learn about Recycle Bicycle, an organization that rescues and repurposes old or unwanted bikes, planning a bicycle community, local bicycle trails, safe routes to school, Pennsylvania bicycle trips, and examples of bicycle gear and fashion.

During the expo, Capital Area Transit plans to offer a tutorial about using the bike racks on buses. There will be clinics on proper bike maintenance, as well. The Lancaster League of American Bicyclists, in partnership with the Air Quality Partnership for the Susquehanna Valley, will give local businesses and universities the opportunity to apply to become a bicycle-friendly workplace, a free designation available to qualified workplaces.

“Bike lanes and paths are turning up at the top of the list as facilities citizens want more of in recent surveys being conducted for an update to our statewide outdoor recreation plan,” DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. “Our grant program stands ready to help communities with dollars and technical assistance for improving trails for recreation and transportation purposes.”

DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants assist communities and non-profits with conservation and recreation projects including trails, greenways and local parks.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the share of Americans commuting by bike has grown by 47 percent since 2000. Bicycle-friendly communities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have more than doubled their bike commuter share in that time.

“Pennsylvania has much to offer to bicyclists, and those opportunities will soon be expanding,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “When Governor Corbett signed the state’s new transportation plan into law, he ensured that we’ll have stable funding for more bicycle and pedestrian facilities moving forward. This means that there will be better access and more people who can enjoy the benefits of bicycling.”

On May 13, DEP will host a Bicycle Support Clinic to discuss cycling in the city of Harrisburg. The program will be from noon to 1 p.m. in the Rachel Carson State Office Building’s tenth floor conference room. The public is encouraged to attend.

The League of American Bicyclists started National Bike Month in 1956. Since then, it has grown to include National Bike to Work Week and Day. 

For more information, visit the Spoke’n Gear Bicycle Festival webpage or send email to: RA-EPSpokenGear_Expo@pa.gov.

5/12/2014