To the editor:
I am writing to invite the readers of the Alexandria Times to come out and share in the simple joy of bicycling on May 20, Bike to Work Day.
In Alexandria, Bike to Work Day will again be celebrated in Market Square from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Registrants (see www.waba.org) will get a free T-shirt, water bottle and will be entered into a raffle to win a bicycle. With bicycle mode share in Alexandria now exceeding five times the national average, and with the popular red Capital Bikeshare bicycles soon coming to Alexandria, there is much to celebrate.
According to the National Household Travel Survey, 40 percent of all trips are within two miles of home. By every measure, more and more Alexandrians are taking those trips by walking or biking. The result? More exercise, better health, more dollars kept in the local economy and, best of all, more fun.
My own daily bicycle commute takes me across the Wilson Bridge Trail, with its beautiful views of the Potomac River and Old Town. Ive even brought friends along to ride it on weekends just for fun. Studies show that bicycling is safe, healthy, fun and doesnt tear up or congest our roads. And, unlike driving, biking doesnt cost the average vehicle owner more than $8,000 per year.
In the D.C. area, bicycling has proven very popular with tourists, more and more of whom can be seen riding those ubiquitous red Capital Bikeshare bicycles. Capital Bikeshare is also strongly supported by citizens; it has already exceeded its target of 10,000 members. Expansion of Capital Bikeshare into Alexandria is planned, using money already provided by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. As in D.C., those little red bicycles will soon be delivering tourists (and their money) from the King Street and Braddock Road Metro stations to shops, museums and other attractions in Alexandria.
When it comes to bicycling, there is much to celebrate here in Alexandria.
On Friday May 20, everyone is invited to Market Square to enjoy the party!
