January 11, 2010: Bike to Work Week Set for 2010; Popular Bike Commuting Celebration to Take Place May 16-22

Spokane, WA – Building on the success of last year’s Bike to Work Week that drew 1,472 registered participants, organizers announced today that Bike to Work Week 2010 is set for May 16-22.
“This event just keeps getting bigger and better each year,” said volunteer committee co-chair Barb Chamberlain, who also works as director of communications for WSU Spokane. “Our goal for 2010 is to register 1,700 participants and sign up at least 80 teams for the Commute Challenge.”

Bike to Work Week 2009 featured well-attended events such as the kick-off breakfast, a Bicycle Education Fair, Walk & Roll to School Day at Spokane Public Schools with over 2,200 students participating, the Group Health Commute Challenge featuring 62 teams, and the popular wrap-up party. In total, during Bike to Work Week participants avoided more than 64,000 miles of vehicle transportation by riding their bikes

In 2010 the Commute Challenge will be extended to a month, with Bike to Work Week as the kickoff. “This gives people more chances to ride,” Chamberlain said. “We had such great response to the Commute Challenge in 2009 that we wanted to make it bigger and better in 2010.”

Registration for the 2010 edition of Bike to Work Week will open in March. For more information, please visit www.biketoworkspokane.org.

REI Grant to Support BTW Spokane 2010!

On behalf of Bike to Work Spokane, SpokeFest has received a $5,000 grant from Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national outdoor retail co-op committed to connecting people with nature, in support of BTW Week 2010. The grant received is the result of a nomination made by the REI store in Spokane.

Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Across the country, REI partners with non-profit conservation and outdoor organizations through education, volunteerism, gear donations, and financial contributions.

• Connect with fellow cyclists
• Learn about local bike projects, what it took to put them together, and the five elements of a complete bike plan (hint: it’s not just a map!)
• Get an understanding of the policy process and how we can be more effective as advocates for cycling interests
• Hear how Cascade Bicycle Club has become a force in the public policy arena
• Help us start to build the Spokane region’s bike agenda