Leave the car at home or save yourself the bus fare: Bike to Work Day is upon us. Tomorrow, May 14th, Richmond is participating in the Bay Area-wide effort to promote this healthier, eco-friendly way to commute, and here is what you need to know to make the day successful and safe.

The main push of Bike to Work Day takes place between 7 am and 9 am. There are four energizer stations around the city where pedaling commuters can stop for goodie bags and to learn more about the benefits of biking. Wearing helmets and biking in groups is encouraged for safety.

You can find energizer stations at:
—Richmond BART
—Macdonald Ave and San Pablo Ave
—Richmond Greenway at Ohio Ave. and Harbour Way
—Marina Bay Park  

“The event is trying to rase awareness of biking and its benefits as a travel option,” explains Patrick Phelan, City of Richmond liaison to the Richmond Bicycle / Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). “Biking reduces traffic and pollution, and it has many health benefits. I think [Bike to Work Day] is definitely a chance to try to get new bicyclists and commuters.”

Bike to Work Day 2015 comes amid a transformation of Richmond’s streets. Dozens of miles of biking-friendly paths have been added to existing roads since the City’s Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2011, and in March a plan was approved to create a bike path across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. In addition, more and more new bikers hit the road every day.

"Over the past four years, we've seen a 30 percent increase in bikers participating in Bike to Work Day," explains Najari Smith, head of the local biking organization Rich City RIDES.  

“BPAC and the Master Plan are part of movement to make the city safer and more accessible to bikers of all ages and abilities,” says Phelan.  

Though Thursday is the official Bike to Work Day, all of May is National Bike Month to encourage this alternative mode of transportation. To learn more about Bike to Work Day and the work of BPAC, click here.

Photo courtesy Reimagine