Washington, D.C. - Commuters swapped gas pedals for bike pedals in the metropolitan Washington region as 17,500 cycled to work for the annual Bike to Work Day (BTWD) event, breaking event records. Registration for the event increased 4 percent over last year. The first BTWD was held in the region in 2001.

Co-organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the event was celebrated at 79 pit-stops within the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Cyclists enjoyed free refreshments, bike tune-ups, games, entertainment, enthusiastic speakers, and lots of pit-stop give-aways. Six bicycles were raffled off and the first 14,000 registrants received an official BTWD 2015 T-shirt, in new wicking fabric.

“We're grateful for the ongoing support from Bike to Work Day participants, volunteers, sponsors, and elected officials who've allowed the event to grow bigger and better each year,” said Director of Commuter Connections Nicholas Ramfos. “Top level regional sponsors this year included ICF International, REI, and Marriott International.”

BTWD comes but once a year; however, Commuter Connections provides information on bicycling, ridesharing, and transit options for use year-round. BTWD participants are encouraged to test out the many available alternative commuting options and use their favorite on Car Free Day, September 22, 2015.

Follow Commuter Connections on Twitter at @BikeToWorkDay and use #BTWDC. Bike to Work Day celebrates National Bike Month in 43 major cities throughout the United States.