Thousands of metropolitan Washington commuters will leave their cars at home Friday to take part in the safe return of Bike to Work Day (BTWD), boosting their physical and mental health during the free annual event’s 20th anniversary. 

Many of this year’s BTWD participants are telecommuters who plan on biking to a local pit stop to pick up their free t-shirt before heading back home to start the workday. The first 15,000 registrants who attend will receive the Bike to Work Day 2021 commemorative shirt. 

Co-organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), BTWD 2021 will feature 95 pit stops. Safety measures in compliance with CDC guidelines will be in effect at all pit stop locations to ensure participants and volunteers remain safe. Precautions include: 

• Zero-tolerance mask enforcement. 
• Pre-selected check-in times for staggered arrival times, with 25-30 bicyclists per 30-minute timeslot. 
• Physical distancing requirements, including six-foot distancing, one-way traffic flow, hand sanitizer stations, and appropriate signage. 

“Events like Bike to Work Day go a long way in bringing together our local communities and promoting a healthy and fun commuting alternative while doing so,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections, a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Every year, BTWD brings out a wide range of commuters. Most recently, the 2019 event saw: 

• 93 percent of BTWD riders use personal bikes.
• 23 percent of participants were first-time BTWD cyclists.
• BTWD participants travel an average of 8.4 miles one-way to work.  

BTWD promotes bicycling as a healthy commuting option that lowers commuting costs, reduces vehicle wear and tear, lessens traffic congestion, encourages healthier lifestyles, and improves air quality. The event, which comes during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, also celebrates the powerful effect exercise has on physical and mental health.  

“Especially this year, Bike to Work Day presents a chance to remind ourselves just how big a role exercise plays in maintaining physical and mental health,” Ramfos added. “I’m excited to see our participants have the opportunity to get outside, enjoy the nice weather, and hop on their bicycles for an uplifting morning ride.” 

This year's event has been made possible by the generosity of several regional sponsors, including: Gold sponsors ICF, Go Alex, and UrbanStems; Silver sponsors Marriott International, BikeArlington, BicycleSPACE, and Verra.  

For commuters and teleworkers who haven’t signed up—it’s not too late. It's fast, free, and easy to register for BTWD at https://bit.ly/btwddc2021 or by calling (800) 745-RIDE. Join the conversation on social media at #BTWD2021.

Although Bike to Work Day happens only once a year, Commuter Connections offers a wide range of services and resources year-round for all commuters. 

Visit www.commuterconnections.org/commuters/ and click on ‘bicycling’ for information on rules of the road, bicycle safety, bikesharing and more.