FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2006

CONTACT: Aaron Bartlett, Bicycle/Pedestrian Planner, 816/701-8238; Jody Ladd Craig, Public Affairs Director, jcraig@marc.org or 816/701-8241; or Andy Graham, Public Affairs Office, 816/474-4240

Regional activities planned for Bike-to-Work Week, May 15–19
MARC team to compete in Kansas City Commuter Challenge

During the week of May 15–19, 2006, citizens from all over the Kansas City region will participate in Bike-to-Work Week events. This year Bridging The Gap’s Clean Commute program is taking the lead in organizing activities which promote biking to work as well as for errands, recreation and fitness. Biking to work helps reduce traffic congestion, keep the air clean, and improve personal health.

Events and activities range from the Kansas City Commuter Challenge, bike races, family rides for ice cream, to a breakfast on the Trolley Track Trail. Local bike shops will offer free bicycle maintenance checks to help promote safe riding. Organizations partnering with Bridging The Gap during the week’s activities include across the Missouri Bicycle Federation, Trek Store of Kansas City, City of Overland Park, the Johnson County Bike Club, Kansas City Bike Club, the Major Taylor Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and ACME Bicycle Company. Each group will offer opportunities for cyclists of all skill levels to ride bicycles while having fun, and meeting new people.

Friday, May 19, has been designated Bike-to-Work Day. Clean Commute will sponsor Breakfast on the Trolley Track Trail and participants will have the opportunity to ride the JO or KCATA buses for free with a bicycle.

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is running radio and print announcements reminding motorists to share the road with bicyclists during Bike-to-Work Week and every week. MARC is also providing giveaways for participants in the week’s events. Reflective pant straps, messenger bags, water bottles and flashing safety lights are some of the items MARC will donate. ”Team ReMARCable” will represent MARC in the Kansas City Commuter Challenge. The team is made up of MARC employees, each of whom is committed to riding their bike to work at least one day during Bike-to-Work Week.

For more details about Bike-to-Work Week events please visit www.bridgingthegap.org, or contact Aaron Bartlett at 816/701-8238, or e-mail abartlett@marc.org.

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