News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2008                                                                       

 Friday, May 16, is National Bike to Work Day! 

May is National Bike Month, a time to focus on bicycling and its benefits.  Many people enjoy biking for recreational and health purposes, but few cycle as a part of their daily lives. 

The purpose of National Bike to Work Day is to encourage people to try bike commuting.  In recognition of the benefits of commuting to work, Sumter County Active Lifestyles (SCAL) is promoting this day and encouraging Sumter County businesses, agencies, and organizations to support employees who ride their bike to work on Friday, May 16.  Cycling to work can be a win-win experience for everyone. 

Bicycle commuting benefits employers by:

         Providing a commute alternative program

        Promoting a healthier work force and improving employee morale

        Saving money by requiring fewer parking spaces

        Reducing traffic congestion

Showing company concern for the environment by supporting clean air alternatives for commuting 

Bicycle commuting benefits employees by:

        Improving personal fitness without having to set aside additional time for exercise

Saving money- bicycle commuting is one of the least expensive ways to get to work

Saving time- in many areas where the commute distance is less than 5 miles, door-to-door time is faster by bike 

Bicycle commuting benefits everyone by:

          Reducing the use of limited fuel supplies

        Reducing environmental pollution

        Reducing the amount of land space for parking lots

Improving the health of citizens, and therefore, reducing the economic burdens to society as a result of poor health 

Bicycling is Healthy! Smart! Fast! Clean! Fun!  

Support Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 16, 2008.  If you are an employer supporting Bike to Work Day, please notify SCAL to be acknowledged for your participation. 

For further information contact Linda Pekuri, lpekuri@sumtercounytsc.org at (803) 774-3861 or Catherine Blumberg at cblumberg@sumtercountysc.org or (803) 774-3860.  Sumter County Active Lifestyles is a community coalition and nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the county by working to create an active community environment.