Join Bike to Work Week, May 12-16
5/6/2014
​​
 


Whether you’re an avid bicyclist or waiting to pump air in your tires this spring, get set for Bike to Work or School Week May 12-16.
 

This national week has a broader local flavor this year. Several community groups and employers are teaming up to encourage more people to choose cycling as their wheels to work or school. Information is available in print and online about local bicycling groups, maps of local bike routes and tips on overcoming challenges to biking regularly.

On Friday, May 16, a community event will celebrate the week, beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the Public Square in downtown Stevens Point. It includes a bike rodeo for children and families to learn about safe bicycling habits, remarks from the mayor and two bike rides.  Mayor Andrew Halverson will lead a family ride through Pfiffner Pioneer Park. Portage County Executive Patty Dreier and AJ, the morning radio show DJ from WYTE, will lead a ride through the city at 5 p.m. 

Organizers represent Ministry Health Care, Emy J’s, Zest, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point Area Public School District, Stevens Point public transportation, Portage County Planning and Zoning, Portage County Can and WYTE. 

It’s rare for workgroups to be involved jointly in promoting something with so many health benefits, said Derek Bell, health promotion and wellness consultant, Ministry Medical Group Occupational Medicine and a coordinator of this event. Bike to Work Week can be a catalyst to help people make little changes that will have a lasting impact. It can make for happier and more successful work life.” 

“UW-Stevens Point is committed to sustainability and has a Healthy Communities Initiative. Encouraging biking to work or school is a great example of both,” said Annie Wetter, chair associate dean of Health Promotion and Human Development. 

Also on May 16, the Portage County Arts Walk will be held downtown. After taking a bike ride, enjoy art and music, including the mass guitar jam session, which will be in the block near Shopko. 

For more information about biking and the health benefits of biking, visit www.portagecountycan.org/physical-activity or www.facebook.com/bwspoco. You’ll find profiles of local bike commuters, learn what motivates them to bike for transportation and how they overcome common barriers to biking with kids and dealing with weather, clothing and other concerns. 


Article Tags