Want To Fight High Gas Prices? Get Geared Up for Bike to Work Day

With near-perfect weather and a growing network of bike paths, lanes and routes, San Diego County can be considered one of the best regions in the country for commuting by pedal power. While there are a few imposing hills that make some cyclists shudder, it is possible to get around using two wheels instead of four.

With buses bearing bike racks and bicycles allowed on the , trolleys and Coaster, Sprinter and Amtrak trains, combining a bike ride with public transit is an option that may become more appealing to commuters as gas prices continue to hover above $4 a gallon.

On May 20, SANDAG will participate in Bike to Work Day, with 75 pit stops set up all over the county providing water, snacks and free T-shirts, but only for those who get out from behind the wheel and on the saddle for at least one day. Prizes are also available for bike commuters who register ahead of time, which can be done online.

One of the pit stops will be on the ferry, with fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and pastries available from 5:30 a.m. until 9 a.m., sponsored by .

For commuters who don’t want to leave their bike locked outside all day while they work, SANDAG has 846 bike lockers at 60 locations throughout the county, mostly at trolley, Coaster and Sprinter stations, but they can be found at other transit centers and park-and-ride lots as well. The lockers are free to use and keys are available for a $25 deposit. Locker keys can be requested online or by calling 511.