The local version of Bike Anywhere Day returns for another year on Thursday with 115 pit stops for cyclists to visit from Oceanside to El Cajon to Tijuana.
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The event, which changed its name from Bike to Work Day three years ago, encourages people to consider riding a bicycle to their job, an exercise class, a lunch date or any activity they would normally get to by car.
They can also visit pit stops to get free T-shirts, beverages and other free items from community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, schools and government agencies.
More than 10,000 cyclists visited pit stops during last year’s event, which was the 33rd time it’s been held. The event took a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned in May 2022.
While there aren’t pit stops in every neighborhood, they will be spread across much of the county. This year they include the Coronado Ferry, Rock Steady Boxing in Poway, the Pacific Beach Library and Alesmith Brewing Company in Miramar.
The event is organized by the county’s regional planning agency, the San Diego Association of Governments.
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Registered participants will be automatically entered into the Bike Anywhere Day Sweepstakes for the chance to win one of five e-bikes, courtesy of Ridepanda. Register at SANDAG.org/bikeday.
A pit stop map can also be found at that website.
Encouraging people to experiment with bicycle commuting has become steadily more important for cities as they strive to lower greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
For example, a revised climate action plan unveiled in 2022 by the city of San Diego sets a goal of having cycling make up 7% of commutes by 2030 and 10% by 2035.
Organizers say a key goal is getting people who think commuting by bicycle is impossible to reconsider.
Riding a bike to work can also be part of a commute that also includes either a bus, a trolley, a ferry or walking. Most buses and trolleys allow commuters to bring bikes on board.
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Bike Anywhere is held in May each year to celebrate National Bike Month.
