Cyclists encourage riding bikes to work

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Cycling enthusiasts will hold a number of events next week to celebrate National Bike To Work Week.

• A free bike-commuting workshop will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Island Triathlon & Bike, 569 Kapahulu Ave.

The three-hour clinic will be taught by Frank Smith, a certified League of American Bicyclists commuting instructor. Topics covered will be using traffic-smart cycling techniques, selecting your route, selecting equipment and dealing with darkness and rain.

Call 732-7227 for reservations.

• In celebration of National Bike To Work Day on May 18, a rally will be held at the downtown Starbucks on the corner of Bishop and South King streets from 7 to 8 a.m. Free coffee and pastries will be provided.

• The Hawai'i Bicycling League and other groups and businesses organizing Bike To Work Week events are looking for businesses to take part in the "Commuter Challenge."

Workers at each company are asked to bike to work from May 14 to 18 and keep track of their mileage.

A trophy will be awarded to the business whose employees log the most miles during the week. Call 593-8079 for an application.

People who want to bike to work can sign up at any local bike shop on O'ahu.

Entrants will receive a free bicycle check-up and participants' packet.