Bike to Work Day, a regional event promoting commuting by bicycle, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Prince William County this year. The free event is scheduled for Friday, May 15.
Last year’s Bike to Work Day drew 12,777 riders across Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Of those participants, 185 were from the Prince William area, said Prince William County Department of Transportation Principal Planner Bryce Barrett.
“May is nationally recognized as Bike Month, with jurisdictions around the country promoting the benefits of improved health and wellness, reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions when residents use bicycles for transportation and recreation,” Barrett said.
Nine pit stops will be available throughout the greater Prince William area on Bike to Work Day. These include George Mason University Manassas Campus at Freedom Center and University Boulevards (6:30-9:30 a.m.), Manassas VRE Station (6-9 a.m.), Manassas Park VRE Station (6-9 a.m.), Kelly Leadership Center (6-9 a.m.), Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center (6-9 a.m.), Woodbridge VRE Station (6-9 a.m.), Rippon Landing VRE Station (6-9 a.m.), Jeff Simpson Community & Cultural Arts Center in Dumfries (7:30–9:30 a.m.) and Tackett’s Mill at Tackett’s Mill Drive and Minnieville Road (6-9 a.m.).
All registered riders will receive a free T-shirt and are entered into a raffle to win a bicycle. The Prince William County Department of Transportation will also provide free water bottles and other giveaways during the event.
Transit users are reminded that bicycle racks are available on all OmniRide Local and OmniRide East-West Express buses as well as most OmniRide Metro Express routes. Bicycles are also permitted on all Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak trains. More information about bringing bikes on transit can be found on OmniRide or VRE’s websites.
Barrett said the department will continue efforts to promote cycling both for commuting and recreation. “Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we will continue to explore opportunities to support bike education and awareness, including a Youth Bike Rodeo at Bull Run Library on June 28 and additional events in the fall, such as bike proficiency classes and celebrations tied to initiatives like Car-Free Day,” Barrett said.
Further details about Bike to Work Day registration or local biking resources can be found on biketoworkmetrodc.org or through the county’s Bicycle and Pedestrian page.
