May is National Bike Month, and for the second consecutive year, Wayne State University will participate in National Bike to Work Day. Set for Friday, May 20, the observance encourages students, employees and neighbors to consider biking as a viable form of transportation and celebrate one of the healthiest, most affordable and sustainable ways to commute.
The main event in Detroit, hosted by the Detroit Greenways Coalition, will take place downtown. Knowing some commuters may be headed to Midtown as a final destination and others may need a break, Wayne State will offer a Midtown pit stop at Old Main from 7-10 a.m. for cyclists to enjoy free coffee, breakfast treats and swag on their way to work or class. Information about the Baroudeur - WSU's cycling event to support student scholarships - will be available.
Organizers encourage commuters to take an alternative form of transportation (carpool, bus, vanpool, bike, walk or telecommute) to work or school, as ridesharing reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
The Detroit Commuter Challenge - which has a goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 130,000 pounds of CO2 - is offering prizes to those committed to cause.
Sponsored by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, the challenge is open to anyone who works or goes to school in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Monroe or St. Clair counties. The challenge runs through May 31.
As an added incentive for the WSU community, faculty, staff and students who register for the challenge on or before Bike to Work Day will be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Registration is free.
Established in 1956 and sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month showcases the many benefits of bicycling - and encourages more Americans to give biking a try.
Environmental impact
From water and urban farming to sustainability, green technologies and much more, Wayne State's location in the heart of Detroit provides students with endless opportunities to make a substantial difference in the city and beyond through interdisciplinary pathways in the arts and sciences, engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, and business. Visit wayne.edu/action.