The following is a republished press release … to submit community announcements to The Voice, contact us at jstein@ithacavoice.com.
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With the goal of creating awareness about alternative forms of transportation, Cornell Transportation and Way2Go, part of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, co-organized Bike to Work / School Friday, May 15, 2015. May is National Bike Month, which consists of national biking events that can be done at the local level.
Scattered throughout the community on Friday were 13 breakfast stations where cyclists could stop, grab a quick bite and make their way to work or school. These stations attracted over 450 cyclists, some traveling from as far as Binghamton, NY. In addition to being a place to grab a quick breakfast, the stations served as a place for cyclists to share their experiences with using a bike for transportation, including commuting.
“I think our local community could do more on the awareness piece in helping educate motorists (and cyclists) to the rules of the road. I also think better infrastructure would help ensure safe travel, things like better shoulders and less potholes,” stated Chris VanDruff, Cornell University West Campus Facilities Manager and a cyclist. Although Chris has commuted by bike to Ithaca from Athens, PA, he acted as a bike mentor today by helping someone bike in from a shorter distance.
Following Bike to Work / School Day, organizers will be inviting community members to participate in a survey to find out what changes would help consider biking as a viable transportation option.
“Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council believes bicycling is an important mode of transportation that is under served and under-utilized in Tompkins County. Bike to Work Day offers a great opportunity to encourage people to try bicycling and discover a fun and healthy option to get to work and other destinations,” stated Fernando de Aragon, Staff Director for Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council.