Bike to Work Day taking place around the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Despite the rain, people around the Bay Area are ditching their cars today and participating in 21st Annual Bike to Work Day.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition spokeswoman Ellie McCutcheon said all planned events would still go forward, despite the storm.

Organizers have set up 400 Energizer Stations in nine Bay Area counties. You'll find coffee and food there and you can enter some raffles as well. They'll also hand out water and provide information on the benefits of biking along commute routes.

Among them, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff, who got into the action and tweeted out pictures.

Some of the riders aren't just doing short commutes. Jesse Richmond is biking from San Francisco to Silicon Valley.

"I'm heading out from 24th and Mission in San Francisco to the San Jose Airport. It's kind of a mixture of roads and Bay trail," said Richmond, a San Francisco resident.

Richmond says the ride takes about four hours.

Many are experienced riders, but the idea is to show people who don't usually commute on their bike that they can do it, too.

Jennifer Fragomeni gave it a try for the first time. "I was a little intimidated by the distance. But it was nice to be with other cyclists who knew some routes and had suggestions for me," said Fragomeni.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee rode his bike as well. He says he is proud of the 343 miles of bike infrastructure the city has in place, and they are planning more.

Organizers say in year's past they have counted 100,000 bikers on this day and that's just who stopped to be counted. They think there are more people than they can count and estimate four or five times the number of people who usually commute on two wheels.

Organizers say biking in the rain is doable so don't let that discourage you. The coalition advises riders to wear breathable layers with waterproof items on top, maintain visibility with bright colors and reflective materials - and ride a little more slowly and carefully than normal.

We want to see you and your bike! Tag photos on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Google Plus using #BikesOn7!

For more information on Bike to Work Day, click here, and click here for tips on riding in the rain.

Morning Bike to Work Day stations:

5:30-9:30 a.m. - Bike to Work Day Super Energizer Station, Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

7:00 a.m. - Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast, Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

7:00 a.m. - Pop up Bikeway Demo, Berkeley City Hall

8:30 a.m. - Bike to Work Day Press Conference at San Francisco City Hall

4:00-7:00 p.m. - Evening Bike to Work Day Energizer Stations

3:00-7:00 p.m. - Walk Oakland Bike Oakland's Bike Happy Hour at the Half Orange, Fruitvale BART, Oakland

5:30-8:30 p.m. - Bike East Bay's Bike Happy Hour, 2727 Milvia Street, Berkeley

5:30-8:30 p.m. - Bike Concord's Bike to Work Day Celebration, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord

6:00-8:00 p.m. - Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's Bike Away from Work Bash, Roosevelt Community Center, San Jose