Celebrate Bike Month Throughout May

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 2, 2022

Department of Rail and Public Transportation

Contact: Amy Friedenberger

Email: amy.friedenberger@drpt.virginia.gov 

Phone: (804) 573-5270

Virginia Celebrates Bike Month Throughout May

~ Virginians are encouraged to pedal on their commute on Bike to Work Day on May 20 ~

(RICHMOND): The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) encourages Virginians to participate in Bike Month during the month of May to celebrate using a bike as an environmentally sustainable alternative to driving. The department is also marking Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20, with many localities across the Commonwealth holding events.

With rising gas prices, pedaling a bike instead of driving a car is a way to save money at the pump. For those who do not own a bike and want to participate in Bike Month, they can rent or use bikeshare services.

“Biking to work or to do errands is a great way to exercise regularly, save money, and decrease congestion,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Acting Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “Micromobility is a critical part of the transportation network. Virginians can plan their commute with different transportation options, such as putting their bikes on a bus or biking to a park and ride that has bike parking accommodations.”

Virginia has a rich public bicycle network, including hundreds of miles of bike trails that can be used for commuting, including the Virginia Capital Trail, Washington & Old Dominion Trail, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, and the Roanoke River Greenway. Localities have also invested in improving bike lanes in urban areas.

Most car trips in U.S. cities are under four miles. Not only does switching from a car to a bike for a short trip help avoid the stress of congested roads and battling for parking, doing so also benefits people using a car to commute by reducing congestion.

Many buses have bike racks, the Tide light rail in Norfolk permits people to bring bikes on board, and the Virginia Railway Express allows people to board with bikes on certain lines during different times of the day. Check with the transit provider near you to find out if they have bike racks and learn about their rules.

For more information about Bike Month and statewide initiatives and events celebrating Bike to Work Day, visit www.BiketoWorkVA.org. Check out Virginia Transportation Navigator to assist in identifying transit options around you at www.drpt.virginia.gov/transit/mobility-for-all.

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights.