Hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts across the area will abandon their cars for one day on Friday, May 16 and commute by bicycle on the annual Bike To Work Day, sponsored by Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicycle Association and other eco-friendly organizations.

This event has grown through the years, and is expected to attract thousands, said Jerry King, the president of BikeWalk Alexandria. Over time, weve gotten more and more participants,” King said. Weve certainly gained support each year.

Cyclists are organizing at 26 pit stops around the area, where cyclists gather in caravans for the trek towards DC. A big rally is planned at Market Square in Old Town where theyll be joined by hundreds of other bicyclists as well as city officials and sponsors handing out refreshments and freebies from 6:30 to 8:30.

Whole Foods will be there along with St. Elmos Coffee Pub, Crystal Ride, City Bikes, Local Motion and the Potomac Peddlars. WABA has 7,000 tee shirts to distribute, but they recommend signing up for the free event on their website www.WABA.org.