Community Corner
Rockville Rolls on Bike to Work Day
Thousands across the Washington metropolitan area passed up their cars for pedal power on Friday.
With clear weather and nearly 50 pit stops in Maryland, DC, and Virginia offering water, food and camaraderie, Rockville cyclists joined thousands around the metropolitan area for National Bike to Work Day on Friday.
“Bike to Work Day is a great way for first-time cyclists to try commuting,” said Matt Folden, a transportation planner and the newly-named pedestrian and bicycle coordinator for the City of Rockville. "It encourages them to try, and once they do maybe they’ll be encouraged to try on a regular basis.”
Registration increased more than 66 percent from last year to more than 10,000 riders from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Organizers attributed the increase to rising gas prices, greater recognition of the need for exercise and the desire to have a positive impact on the planet.
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Revolution Cycles of Rockville performed free bike checks at the Fallsgrove Village Center pit stop where some of the riders were veteran cyclists.
“I ride as much as I can,” Raul Quiros said .” Likewise for Jeffrey Giddings who said: “I’ve been trying to do two times a week to work from Rockville to Germantown.” Both men change into work clothes when they arrive.
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At the Rockville Town Center pit stop near the Regal Cinema, Elizabeth Richardson prepared to cycle to her job at Montgomery Mall. "I bike often," Richardson said, "but this is my first time biking to work." She used Google Maps to chart her bike route.
The complimentary bike checks at the Rockville Town Center pit stop were performed by REI. Halle Enyedy of the REI Outdoor School was on hand with tips and free gear. “It’s a great incentive for everybody to get their bikes out,” Enyedy said.
