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Commuter Services Challenges Commuters to Bike to Work

May 14, 2018 • by Commuter Services of PA
Bicycle Transportation

National Bike Month—May 2018 

Annual Bike to Work Week Ride – Friday, May 18

YORK, Pa.  – Commuter Services of Pennsylvania announced its new schedule of activities to celebrate National Bike Month in May 2018. The scheduled activities are highlighted by the annual Bike to Work Week ride, co-sponsored by Reading Hospital, Penske Racing Shocks, The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Kinsley Construction that will take place on Friday, May 18.

The activities promoted by Commuter Services during National Bike Month challenge commuters to choose bicycling as a green and healthy alternative mode of transportation. Biking to work is a travel option that can significantly reduce commuting costs, reduce automobile traffic – helping to improve air quality – and promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. 

“We are very excited to be a part of the community-wide Bike to Work Week initiative,” said Courtney Dixon, Senior Coordinator, Community Wellness for Reading Hospital. “We offer a wide variety of public wellness programs and strive to help all members of the community find healthy and enjoyable ways to stay active. Commuting by bicycle is an excellent example of how this can be achieved.” 

The annual bicycle ride is a joint event partnership combining the core missions of both Commuter Services of Pennsylvania and the Reading Hospital by encouraging commuters to travel green and stay active.

 “Our organization is thrilled to partner with Reading Hospital and other community sponsors to bring this event to the local community. This ride combines the positive health attributes of the exercise gained by riding bike with the fun and excitement of partaking in a community wide gathering of like-minded individuals,” said Matt Boyer, Executive Director of Commuter Services. “This event is a fun, leisurely and enjoyable ride open to all employees and regional residents.”

Bike to Work Week is nationally recognized to engage commuters across the United States. Commuting by bicycle is associated with improving health and fitness, reducing carbon emissions and saving money.

New this year, participants can track their trips in the Commute PA app for smartphones, gain points for their non-drive alone trips and redeem for awards from regional and national businesses.

Event Details: Friday, May 18

Rain or shine, the Bike to Work Week ride is open to all employers and commuters across Berks county. Pre-ride refreshments will be provided by the Reading Hospital beginning at 6:30 am. A brief “kick-off” by Reading Hospital officials will occur at 6:50 am with a prompt start of the ride at 7:00 am.  

Start/End Location: Reading Hospital, 7th Avenue Parking Lot/Scottish Rite building.

Route: Reading Hospital in West Reading, into the City of Reading via Buttonwood Street Bridge; departing the City at RACC and trail ride to starting point.

Ride Duration: Approximately 6 miles/less than one hour

Requirements: Bicycle and bike helmet

Ages: 18 and older

Participants are encouraged to log their bicycling mileage to and from work for a chance to win prizes. Log information is available on the Commuter Services’ website, https://pacommuterservices.org/bikemonth2018/.

For those participating in the May 18th ride, businesses are encouraged to form teams. The employer with the greatest number of bicycling commuters and other selected categories will receive awards the day of the event. Safety Notice: The event is facilitated by law enforcement officials, traffic control, and intersection crossing assistance will be provided to all riders.

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