Knoxville Mayor Rogero Honors Cyclists on National Bike to Work Day

Hundreds of Knoxvillians bicycled to work on Friday, May 17 in celebration of National Bike to Work Day. The 13th annual Bike to Work Day festivities were held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Market Square and attended by nearly 100 riders. Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero presented awards in several categories.

Upon their arrival in Market Square, bicycle commuters were treated to coffee and biscuits provided by Pete's Caf? and Trio Caf?, while they socialized with otherswho also enjoy the benefits of biking to work.

Mayor Rogero then led an awards ceremony for the best dressed bicyclists. This year's winners were: Wes Breitenbach, Best Dressed, Nate Pollesch, Most Professionally Dressed, and Ben Epperson, Most Originally Dressed. Blake, Rachel, and Asher Terry won in the impromptu Best Four-legged Friend category. Winners received a certificate, a gift card to a local bike shop and congratulations from Mayor Rogero. They proved that those who bike to work can arrive at their jobs in professional attire, ready to start their day.

The annual Bike to Work Day provided a chance for people who have considered riding to work to try it out in the company of more experienced bike commuters. The Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program organized bike convoys from points north, south, east, and west to Market Square, so no one had to bike alone. Two convoys started from as far away as Halls and Cedar Bluff. There were also opportunities for people to drive to a meeting point along the route and then bike downtown with a group.

Ride organizer and Principal Planner with the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Kelley Segars, congratulated all of this year's participants. "You demonstrated that we have alternatives to driving alone to work, you saved money on gas and parking, and you made physical activity part of your day. And, most importantly, you had fun!" />

For those who biked to work, but didn't go downtown or started work at a different time, eight local businesses offered a "thank you for biking" treat to bicyclists who came into their stores on May 17 and said, "I biked to work today."

Learn more about Bike to Work Day and other events on the Bike Month website.

Posted 05-17-2013. Written by Sarah Powell.