Get Ready, Get Set for National Bike to Work Day

Pittsburgh was just named one of the top three major cities for the percentage of people who walk to work—and national Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16, presents a chance to try getting to work on two wheels.

The Center for Environmental Research and Education again will provide a break station for cyclists on Bike to Work Day. Daily bike riders Dr. David Lampe, associate biology professor, and Dr. Greg Barnhisel, associate professor and chair of English, will staff the station at the Forbes Garage Plaza, next to the Duquesne arch at the corner of Forbes Avenue and McAnulty Drive, between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.

“Biking has so many benefits for the environment, for your personal health and for easing congestion around the city,” Lampe said. “It’s cost effective, healthy and fun! For people who need a little nudge to bike to work, this is a perfect day to give it a try.”

Lampe also encouraged others to join the National Bike Challenge and register Duquesne as their workplace. The program’s goal is to unite 50,000 riders nationwide to bike 30 million miles through Tuesday, Sept. 30. The challenge allows riders to register online and document the miles they pedal.

Of course, Lampe would be ecstatic to see Duquesne best the Oakland universities. All Pittsburgh registrants’ miles will be added to the local Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Rust Belt Challenge that Pittsburgh won last year

“Granted, Duquesne has a few more hills than our friends in Oakland do, but with bike racks along the flat spaces of Forbes Avenue and covered bike parking in Forbes garage, as well as other places on campus, we have options for those just starting to bike to work and those ready to take on the hills,” Lampe said.