May is National Bike Month and members from Bike Walk Connecticut are hoping more people will go their route and lose two wheels for their commute. Sandy Fry is on the organization’s board and rides to work every day.
“What we want to see is just more people doing what we do already,” she said.
“When I have appointments in the city throughout the day I love to just change into gear and jump on my bike to get to those appointments,” said Greg Latz, a member of Bike Walk Connecticut.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, commuting by bike has grown by 47 percent since 2000. But less than 1 percent of the public has made the switch to cycling to work on a daily basis.
Emily Moos says riding her bike from West Hartford to Hartford has gone miles for her.
“I’m way more energized when I get to work ,” she said. “I’ve got my workout in and it’s a great way to get to work.”
And Steve Mitchell, who owns car dealerships, says more bikes on the road would mean capital gains for Hartford.
“Hartford is primed to become a bike friendly community, it would change the city,” he said. “It reinvigorates the entire society. Nothing against cars … we all need more environmentally friendly alternatives and to relieve congestion.
May 13 through 17 is National Bike to Work Week and May 17 has been set as Bike to Work Day across Connecticut. Bike Walk Connecticut is hosting events throughout the state including in downtown Hartford. To learn more visit www.bikewalkct.org.