Washington, D.C. - 11,000 commuters took to the streets on two wheels today, celebrating Bike to Work Day 2011. The impressive turn-out was the largest in the regional event’s history and helped spread the message of finding alternatives to driving in single-occupancy vehicles. Coordinated by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the event was attended by dozens of state, local, and federal dignitaries and elected officials who spoke to crowds of cyclists at pit stop celebrations across the region.

Dave Robertson, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), impressed with the strong support from both commuters and officials, commented, “This event has grown tremendously over the years and has helped increase the popularity of bicycling as a reliable and viable commuting option. Just six years ago there were less than 5,000 participants at 18 locations—this year that number has soared to 11,000 cyclists at 49 pit stops,” said Robertson, who was on hand at the NoMa Business Improvement District pit stop, one of eight new pit stops located in the District of Columbia; “Congratulations to all of those who participated in today’s event, as well as those whose sponsorship made it a success."

Forty-nine pit stops throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, from Frederick County to Prince William County, welcomed individual cyclists and bicycling convoys with appearances and speeches by local elected officials, as well as prizes, food, and entertainment. Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections, sees the continued success of this event as affirmation of the region’s commitment to helping reduce roadway congestion and improve air quality.

 “Commuters throughout the metropolitan area are looking for ways to make their commutes easier and less costly. Bicycling to work is one of the many options that commuters can turn to for a better and healthy ride to work. Bike to Work Day continues to challenge commuters to consider alternatives and Commuter Connections offers commuting options that fit almost anyone’s daily routine” The annual event celebrates National Bike Month and is held in May in cities throughout the United States. Generous contributions from major regional sponsors, including goDCgo, DC Lottery, Marriott International, Whole Foods Market, Bike Arlington, The City of Alexandria, AAA Mid-Atlantic, City Bikes and BicycleSPACE helped make the event a success.

*Photos from Bike to Work Day available upon request. Please contact Lewis Miller at (202) 962-3209 or lmiller@mwcog.org.