Today, 18,700 metropolitan Washington area commuters participated in one of the nation’s largest Bike to Work Day (BTWD) events. Since 2001, BTWD registration and pit stops have increased significantly – from over a few hundred registrants and five pit stops in 2001 to more than 18,700 registrants and 85 pit stops in 2017.

Commuting to work by bike is becoming increasingly popular in metropolitan Washington, according to census data. Of large U.S. cities, the area is now ranked third in the nation for its percentage of commuters who bike to work. Residents who bike to work increased from 2.2 percent in 2010 to 4 percent in 2015.

“We are thrilled to see commuters trade in four wheels for two,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections. “Bicyling is a great commute option and we are pleased that this event provides a great first experience for novice riders.”

BTWD continues to attract commuters who choose to bike to work for the very first time. A recent survey of BTWD participants in 2016 found that 8 percent of new riders continued to bike to work after Bike to Work Day an average of 1.4 days per week.

The annual event, co-sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), encourages people to get on a bike and commute to work. BTWD incentivizes commuters to consider and support bicycling as a healthy commuting option that has many benefits, including reduced commuting costs, less traffic congestion, and improved air quality. For many, this event motivates participants to consider biking to work as a practical option for the daily commute.

“Bike to Work Day is a team effort and we are very grateful to be able to work collaboratively with a wide array of agencies, sponsors, and volunteers to deliver such a wonderful event,” said Ramfos. “Our special thanks go out to our regional sponsors including Allegra Allergy, ICF, Takoma Bicycle, DC Bike Lawyers.com, BicycleSpace, Bike Arlington, California Tortilla, GO Alex, and Marriott International for their generous support of the 2017 event.”

Although BTWD is an annual event, there are a range of services and resources available year-round for those who like to bicycle to work. Visit www.commuterconnections.org/commuters/bicycling/ for information on rules of the road, outfitting yourself and your bicycle, bikesharing, and more.

View photos and coverage from this year’s event on Twitter via Commuter Connections at @BikeToWorkDay, and at #BTWD2017 or #BTWDC.