Bike To Work Day Encourages Biking As Commuting Option On May 19

BELLE HAVEN, VA — As the weather warms up, more people may be trading in commutes by car to bike along the Mount Vernon Trail and other locations. The DC region's 22nd annual Bike to Work Day will encourage local commuters to bike and score some freebies along the way on Friday, May 19.

The annual event held by the Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association features bike stops around the region with giveaways, food, and beverages. In addition, the first 15,000 people to register for Bike to Work Day get a free T-shirt, and all registered participants are entered to win a free bike.

The event promotes biking as a low-cost, environmentally-friendly commuting option. DC area commuters who are returning to in-person or remote working will notice congestion on the roads as driving continues to be a popular commuting option.

"Bike to Work Day brings together our local communities while promoting a healthy, fun commuting alternative that helps reduce traffic congestion on roadways that are getting crowded once again," said Nicholas Ramfos, director of Commuter Connections.

Over 100 pit stops will be held around the DC region, including several in the Mount Vernon area:

• Alexandria - Mt Vernon/Hybla Valley/Ft Hunt: 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria, VA 22306, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Alexandria South at Trek Bicycle: Belle View Shopping Center, 1506 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22307, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Fort Belvoir: Richmond Highway and Belvoir Road, just before Pence Gate, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

There are various stops also planned north of Mount Vernon in the City of Alexandria:

• Alexandria – John Carlyle Square Park: John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria, VA 22314, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Alexandria – Del Ray: Colasanto Park, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Alexandria – Fairlington Centre: Fairlington Centre, 1711 Centre Plaza Alexandria, VA 22302 (in front of Great Harvest Bread between CVS and Baskin Robbins), 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Alexandria – Mark Center: North Parking Garage (outdoor bicycle parking area) across from 4825 Mark Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Alexandria - National Landing at APTA: 3030 Potomac Ave.Alexandria, VA 22305, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Alexandria – Old Town at City Hall: Market Square at Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Participants can typically only receive freebies at one pit stop they choose when registering. Register for Bike to Work Day at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.

Along with hosting Bike to Work Day, Commuter Connections provides resources for regional commuters who bike, carpool, vanpool, walk or take transit, including a Guaranteed Ride Home program.