Trade Headlights for Helmets on National Bike to Work Day

Come into the office a little sweatier than normal and celebrate National Bike to Work Day.

Friday, commuters in Chicago and across the nation will be trading car keys for bike chains in an effort to make make the world a little greener. 

About 47 percent more people bike to work now than they did in 2000, according to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, and Illinois is playing a big part in increasing that number. 

The state currently ranks 9^th of out 50 states for bike friendliness, with six bike friendly communities. In a Bicycle Friendly America report card, Illinois scored high on biking education and legislation, but low on planning and funding. 

Chicago also made the top 10 bikeable large cities, according to Bike Score. The city ranked 10^th behind first and second place Portland and San Francisco. 

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Here’s a few bike safety tips when gearing up this morning (from The League of American Bicyclists):

1. Follow the Rules of the Road

2. Be Visible

3. Be Predictable

4. Anticipate Conflicts

5. Wear a Helmet