Sonoma County Celebrates 19th Annual Bike to Work Day May 9

Mike Conway leaves home near Doyle Park at about 7:25 every morning, and is at his desk by 8:00. He’s given up his $50 /month YMCA membership because he gets a 20-minute workout every morning, and a chance to unwind on the same 4.2 mile route in the afternoon.

Conway, 60, rides his bike to work, as he has for the past two years, and on Thursday morning he’ll receive this year’s award as 2013 County of Sonoma Bike Champion. The award is given by Sonoma County for dedication to bike commuting, and being an inspiration to fellow employees.

"I often get inquiries from my co-workers regarding how long it takes to get to work, what route I take, etc.," Conway said. "One co-worker is getting her bike tuned up and she will begin riding to work next week. starting with one day a week."

May 9, 2013, Sonoma County will mark the 19th annual Bike to Work Day with an “energizer station” at the corner of Administration Drive and Ventura Avenue (in the heart of the County Complex) between the early hours of 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Anyone who finds a way to get to work other than driving alone is invited to enjoy a free hot breakfast, music, giveaways and entry into a drawing for prizes.

The Board of Supervisors will honor Conway as the 2013 County of Sonoma Bike Champion for his dedication to bike commuting and being an inspiration to fellow employees, in a ceremony at about 8:30 a.m.

David Rabbitt, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, said "I commend our County employees who lead by example and use their bicycles to commute. Not only is this good exercise, it is great for our environment too.”

Conway works for the Human Services Department as an employment and training counselor, and rides a rugged, all-steel Soma Double Cross Bike to navigate the potholes and traffic of his commute.

"It has helped me keep my weight down and it’s improved my stamina, considerably," he tells Patch.

Fortunately, he’s avoided the bicycle-automobile conflicts that sometimes plague riders, and had led the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to their drive for a Vulnerable Users Ordinance in local communities.

“I think if you’re respectful and obey the traffic laws, you don’t have a lot of problems,” said Conway.

To encouraging all employees to leave their cars behind in favor of finding more sustainable ways to get to work, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will present a Gold Resolution on May 9th to support Bike to Work, and reaffirm the County’s commitment to sustainable transportation, healthy living and climate protection.

“We have an added bonus this year as we unveil new electronic bike lockers,” said Rabbitt. “These lockers will provide secure storage for bikes and will help encourage commuters to leave their cars at home.”

Supervisor Shirlee Zane, a member of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board of Directors and an avid bicyclist herself, commented, “Thanks to this County’s leadership, we were able to secure funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to purchase and install electronic bike lockers for the use of employees and cycling visitors to the County campus.”

The three locations are for these bike lockers are:

1)      Sonoma County Hall of Justice – Near cul-de-sac at west end of Paulin Drive Extension;
2)      Permit and Resource Management Department – Administration Drive at south end of Ventura Avenue;
3)      La Plaza Building – County Center Drive at north end of Professional Drive

For additional fun, bike-friendly events being held throughout the month visit the Sonoma County Bike Coalition’s website at http://bikesonoma.org.

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Sign up for daily email | Start a blog on Patch!