Hartford Bike to Work, July 20th: It’s Easier Than You Think!

For immediate release
July 13, 2012

Contact: 
Sandy Fry
Bike to Work & National Bike Challenge Chair
sfry@crcog.org
860.522.2217 x220

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Hartford, CT  –  Bike Walk Connecticut and CTTRANSIT invite commuters to try a new way to get to work – riding a bike. Bike commuting reduces vehicle traffic, avoids pollution, saves gas and is the healthy way to travel! For those with long commutes, CTTRANSIT offers bike racks on the front of all its buses – a commuter can bike to the bus, ride to a stop near their work location and then bike to work.

To support bike commuting, Bike Walk Connecticut and CTTRANSIT will host a breakfast social for bicycle commuters on July 20, from 6:30 am to 9 am, at the Old State House in downtown Hartford. The bike to work breakfast is an opportunity for new bike commuters to learn tips from the experienced and for all to enjoy the camaraderie. CTTRANSIT will have a bus at the breakfast so that cyclists can practice putting a bicycle onto the bus rack.

According to CT Department of Transportation Commissioner Jim Redeker, “Bicycling is an increasingly important mode of transportation in Connecticut. It’s an option that more and more of us are considering. It’s ‘green,’ healthy and smart – not to mention fun.”

Join us in Hartford for a Bike to Work Breakfast
When: Friday, July 20, 6:30AM-9:00AM
Location:  Old State House, downtown Hartford              

Biking to work is easier than many people think.  These tips can help novice bike commuters: 

• The Bike – Any type of bike, from mountain to comfort to road bike will work for bike commuting.  Make sure the bike is road ready by having a tune up at a local bike shop.
• The Helmet – Wear a helmet that fits properly.  The helmet should sit level on the head and fit snugly. 
• Gear – No special gear is required, a backpack or bags on the bike can carry items.  If riding before dawn or after dusk, have a white light for the front of the bike and a blinking red light for the rear.
• Clothes – No special clothing is needed, but with a longer ride, specialized bike        clothes can be more comfortable.  Wear bright colors and clothing with reflective stripes add to visibility.  You can keep a change of clothes at work.
• Riding – Be predictable.  This means following the rules of the road.  A bike is a vehicle, ride on the right with traffic.  Obey traffic signals and signs.  Signal your turns. 
• Route - Choose a route that is most comfortable for you – a bike commute route might differ from the route you follow when you drive.  Test ride your route on the weekend.
• For more information, please visit http://www.bikewalkct.org/bike-to-work-tips.html  

About Bike Walk Connecticut:  Bike Walk Connecticut is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to making bicycling and walking safe, feasible and attractive for a healthier, cleaner Connecticut.  Visit us at www.bikewalkct.org. 

About CTTRANSIT:  CTTRANSIT is the state-owned bus transit system serving the greater Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bristol and Wallingford areas.