The alliance has increased its efforts to encourage more commuters and county residents to "choose a health alternative to driving." Forty percent of commuters live within five miles of their job, according to the alliance. A four-mile bike ride keeps around 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air, and a bicyclist will burn around 410 calories.
In order to support cyclists, the alliance will staff 22 "Energizer Stations" from South San Francisco to East Palo Alto where volunteers will offer free food and beverages to riders. Sign-up cards will be available for the event raffle, with a grand prize of a new bike.
"With a gallon of gas costing $4 or more, Bike to Work Day takes on greater meaning to San Mateo County residents," alliance Executive Director Christine Maley-Grubl said in a statement. "It is a great alternative for people interested in improving their health, saving money, avoiding the stress of traffic, and most importantly, helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions."
