DC Mayor Vincent Gray to Address 11,000 Bicyclists Today -- A Record Number for Bike to Work Day

May 20 is Bike to Work Day, an annual celebration of bicycling as a way to commute to work in the DC region. Today, over 11,000 cyclists will bike to work, some in commuter convoys, to 49 pit-stops throughout the region. Nearly 2,000 of these cyclists will convene at Freedom Plaza in downtown D.C. for a rally from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Speakers at Freedom Plaza will include federal and District representatives:

Federal Speakers: Federal Transit Administrator PeterRogoff, Transportation Undersecretary Roy Kienitz;

District of Columbia Speakers: DC Mayor Vincent Gray, Assisant Police Chief Patrick Burke, Transportation Director Terry Bellamy, Planning Director Harriet Tregoning, Council Chairman Kwame Brown, and Members of the Council of the District of Columbia.

Bike to Work Day is celebrated nationwide each May to raise awareness of how bicycling eases road congestion, reduces fuel consumption, and provides important health benefits for cyclists. “Bike to Work Day serves multiple functions for cycling in the region,” states Washington Area Bicyclist Association Executive Director Shane Farthing. “It is part census, part celebration, and part encouragement. It gives us an opportunity to numerically demonstrate cycling’s growth, join together to enjoy camaraderie with other cyclists and supportive regional and national leaders, and—perhaps most importantly—it provides a great opportunity to get new cyclists to try commuting in a less intimidating setting alongside fellow cyclists.”

Media can check in with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) at the VIP tent next to the stage at Freedom Plaza. Shane Farthing, WABA’s Executive Director, will be available for media interviews.

Where: Freedom Plaza., 14th & E Streets, NW.

When: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 20

Who: Up to 2,000 bicycle commuters


About the Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Established in 1972, WABA is a local non-profit dedicated to creating a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable  transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling. For more information about the Washington Area Bicyclist Association visit http://www.waba.org or call 202-518-0524.