TransOptions, the Transportation Management Association of northwestern New Jersey, is encouraging commuters who live or work in northwestern New Jersey to give up their solo drive to work by bicycle riding during May for National Bike to Work Month.
 
“Giving up a solo ride to work, even for one day, is a healthy, alternative commute which also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution,” comments John F. Ciaffone, TransOptions President.  “It’s gratifying to see the event grow each year as more and more commuters realize the multiple benefits of bicycling,” he adds.
 
This year’s sponsors are Cycle Craft, Eastern Propane, REI, The RBA Group, The Hyatt Morristown, Marty’s Reliable Cycle, Madison Bicycle Shop, SmartWorld Coffee, Thorlabs, Drip Coffee and Whole Foods Market Madison.

Month-long “Challenge”:  New this year is a free, month-long “Challenge” conducted from May 1 to May 31, National Bike to Work Month. Bicycle commuters can participate as individuals or in teams of up to five people.

All participants must register at www.TransOptions.org/biketowork  where they create an online commuter profile to log their bicycle commuting trips and miles traveled each week. Registration will remain open until the end of the month. Nearly 100 bicycle commuters have signed up already!
 
Multiple Prize Opportunities: All registered participants who bike at least five commutes or travel at least 25 miles throughout the month will be eligible for prize drawings.  Additional prizes, including a Trek 7200+ Electric Bicycle, will be awarded to those with higher levels of participation.

Weekly prizes will be awarded throughout the month of May to individuals who log the greatest number of miles.  Team prizes and additional prizes will be awarded at the end of the Challenge.
 
Employers can also participate in the Challenge by encouraging their employees to enroll.  At the conclusion of the Challenge, the employer with the highest percentage of bike commuters participating per total number of staff will be awarded the Bike Right Company Trophy.
 
WHEN & WHERE:   
5 Bike to Work Week Breakfast Stops This Year: As part of the month long Challenge, TransOptions will be hosting five commuter breakfast stops to welcome and support Challenge participants and bike enthusiasts.      
Morning breakfast stops will be held from 6:30am to 8:30am at five locations:
·         May 16 at 2 Broadway, Denville hosted by CycleCraft and Smart World Coffee
·         May 17 in Parsippany at The RBA Group, 7 Campus Drive
·         May 18 at The Green in Newton hosted by Thorlabs and Eastern Propane
·         May 19 at Morristown hosted by The Hyatt Morristown and Marty’s Reliable Cycle
·         May 20 in Madison at Prospect and King Streets hosted by the Madison Bicycle Shop, Drip Coffee and Whole Foods Market Madison    
                                         
TransOptions has been hosting Bike to Work events for six years.  Last year’s participation by 150+ registered bicyclists reduced traffic congestion by 3,300 commuter miles and kept 3,023 pounds of pollutants from the atmosphere.
 
Participation in Bike to Work Month events are free. Register at www.transoptions.org/biketowork.

For additional information, contact TransOptions at 973-267-7600 or jciaffone@TransOptions.org.