Image via BCGP Facebook
Yesterday morning, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) hosted its annual Commuter Race, challenging a cyclist, Zipcar driver, and SEPTA rider to go head-to-head to see who could make the three-mile commute from South Philly’s Mifflin Square to City Hall fastest. For the sixth year in a row, the race proved that using just two wheels to ride to work is not only a great way to get in some early a.m. exercise, it’s also damn fast. The bicycle commuter made the trek in just 18 minutes, 35 seconds, followed by the Zipcar at 24:50, and SEPTA rider at 25:15.
Now, here’s your chance to break out your own bike and impress your boss by arriving extra early. Tomorrow is National Bike to Work Day, and even Mayor Nutter will be rolling-up his dress pants and strapping on his helmet. Meet at the Art Museum steps at 8 a.m. for a group photo shoot, then bike down the parkway to Dilworth Plaza for a presentation by the cycling mayor himself.
So tonight, pump those tires, test those breaks, forget about that early morning gym sesh, and bike it to work!
Both the Commuter Race and National Bike to Work Day are part of Bike Month in Philadelphia, happening all May long. Last night the BCGP held the annual Ride of Silence to commemorate cyclists killed and injured by vehicles, and up next are the Kinetic Sculpture Derby, Bicycle Rodeo, and Green Bike Clinic (all happening Saturday!). Visit BCGP’s website for the full schedule of Bike Month events.
*Thanks to PlanPhilly and the BCGP for event information and statistics.
I bike commute 10 to 27 miles a day, to one job in Center City and another on the Mainline, from home at 48th and Baltimore. Here is the story of one day: http://sprucehillurbanhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/04/gnarly-commute.html
I bike commute 10 to 27 miles a day, to one job in Center City and another on the Mainline, from home at 48th and Baltimore. Here is the story of one day: http://sprucehillurbanhorticulture.blogspot.com/2011/04/gnarly-commute.html