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.