Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Norris
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 16, 2005

Bike to Work Day Celebration Friday, May 20, 2005

Frederick, MD. - Commuters throughout the Washington/Baltimore region are encouraged to participate in Bike to Work Day 2005 on Friday, May 20. There will be 18 "pit stops" in communities in the region, including one in Frederick at the downtown MARC train station, also known as the Transit Center. Local officials and bicycle enthusiasts will be on hand at the Transit Center to participate in the celebration from 6:45 am - 7:30 am.

MARC riders may bike to the downtown station and use the bike racks provided to secure their bike. Commuters can bike to a bus stop, secure their bike on the bus bike rack, and ride TransIT to their work site. Instructions for loading and unloading bicycles and suggestions for commuting by bicycle are included in the TransIT Bike Program brochure.

Commuters who regularly bike to work should join the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. This service provides a free ride home, up to 4 times per year, in the event of an unexpected emergency or unscheduled overtime. To register, call TransIT or log on to the website at www.co.frederick.md.us/transit <http://www.co.frederick.md.us/transit>.

Biking to work improves air quality, reduces gas costs and commuting stress, and improves fitness. Prior to biking to work for the first time, cyclists should take the time to tune up their bike, map their route, check connections needed for bus, train or rail, and make a trial run.

For more information on biking to work, or on TransIT Services and transportation alternatives, call the TransIT office Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (301) 600-2065 or visit our website at: www.co.frederick.md.us/transit