Bike to Work Spokane Announces May as “Spokane Bike Month”
Barb Chamberlain
Contact: Barb Chamberlain, Bike to Work Spokane/Spokane Bikes co-chair, spokaneb...@gmail.com
Bike to Work Spokane Announces May as “Spokane Bike Month”
Popular Bike to Work Week Celebration Set for May 15-21
Spokane, WA – The tradition continues and expands for Bike to Work Spokane in 2011. Building on the continuing success of Bike to Work Week, organizers announced today that Bike to Work Spokane will become “Spokane Bikes” and promote all of May as Spokane Bike Month.
“Spokane’s bike community is too big to fit into just one week, and people bike for lots of reasons: transportation, recreation, health, and most of all fun. We want to recognize and celebrate the entire range of bike activities so we’re celebrating all of May as Spokane Bike Month,” said volunteer committee co-chair Barb Chamberlain, who also works as director of communications for WSU Spokane.
Bike to Work Week 2011 will continue the featured events that have become a tradition: the Kick-off Pancake Breakfast Monday, May 16, in Riverfront Park with Spokane Mayor Mary Verner making remarks; Energizer Stations in locations around Spokane County Wednesday, May 18, with treats for bike riders to fuel up on their way to work; and the popular wrap-up party, “Bike from Work,” Friday, May 20.
Additional May bike events include the Ride of Silence the evening of Wednesday and events organized by other groups such as the Lilac Century Bike Ride on Sunday, May 15.
People who ride bikes for any reason, whether it's transportation, racing, recreation, health, or just plain fun, may register at www.spokanebikes.org to be counted as part of Spokane's active bike community and receive news updates about Bike to Work Week and other bike events.
This year Bike to Work Spokane/Spokane Bikes welcomes a new Gold Wheel co-sponsorship, UnitedHealthcare and Associated Industries (A.I.).
Jim DeWalt, President and CEO of A.I., said, “For several years, Associated Industries, through UnitedHealthcare, has offered ‘Your HEALTH Counts,’ an innovative wellness program that provides health education materials, wellness resources and a series of valuable programs to help lower disease risks and improve fitness levels. A.I. has also received honors for our healthy workplace environment. Sponsoring a healthy community program such as Bike to Work Week is a natural next step.”
UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) company, is one of the nation’s largest health and well-being companies, providing a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefits plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes. The company organizes access to quality, affordable health care services on behalf of approximately 25 million individual consumers nationwide.
A.I. was created by members, for members over 100 years ago, to make cost-effective business resources more accessible. Over the years those services have expanded to include labor and employment law, training, HR, payroll, industrial safety, workers’ compensation and – since 1954 – healthcare benefit and wellness plans for employees and their families. “With a history of care for our community, the goals of Spokane Bike Month are a great fit for Associated Industries and our UnitedHealthcare partners,” said DeWalt.
Bike commuting provides benefits to commuters, employers and the community as a whole. Commuters can be healthier, save on transportation expenses, and enjoy the trip to and from work. Employers benefit by having healthier, happier employees and lower health care costs. The community benefits from less vehicle traffic, less pollution, less wear and tear on the streets, and a healthier population.
Bike to Work Spokane/Spokane Bikes is supported by the following sponsors:
Gold Wheel: United Healthcare Group/Associated Industries of the Inland Northwest, Spokane Public Radio,
Silver Spoke: Out There Monthly, Steam Plant Grill/Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company, Mountain Gear, Unico Properties
Bronze Gear: North Division Bicycle Shop, Silver Auctions
Pedal Partners: City of Spokane, Emde Sports, Roasthouse Coffee, Spokane Regional Health District, Spokane Regional Transportation Council, Spokane Transit Authority, WSU Spokane
Spokane Bikes/Bike to Work Spokane is organized by a volunteer committee as a project of the SpokeFest Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For more information:
Twitter: @SpokaneBikes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BiketoWorkSpokane
YouTube: www.youtube.com/BiketoWorkSpokane
Email: spokaneb...@gmail.com
Web: www.spokanebikes.org