Out of your car, onto your BIKE

Bike to Work Week is here, and I am a huge fan.   The City of Chico coordinates Bike to Work Week to get people out of their cars and onto their bikes.  Of course I love it even more because our company, The ChicoProject, won first place last year in the Bronze Division (businesses with up to 10 employees).  Apparently last year over 1,488 riders in Chico commuted 8,692 miles on their bikes instead of in their cars.  We are so good Chico, so good. 

Last year The ChicoProject shared the leader board with 5th Sun, Gold Division (50+ Employees) and North Rim Adventure Sports, Silver Division (11-49 Employees).  Good Luck to both of you again this year. 

 

So, this year The ChicoProject is defending our title, and I have no doubt we will be awesome.  My competitive streak tells me we will be nothing short of winners.  I have added some awesomeness to my bike to make it easier to commute.  My biggest issue is that I have so much to carry on my way to work and my backpack just isn’t cutting it.  I added some collapsible baskets to the back of my bike and now carrying my laptop bag, lunch bag, change of shoes and even my coffee (that I stop and pick up from Bidwell Perk) is super easy.

 

I purchased the rack and collapsible baskets for my bike at Pullins Cyclery, downtown (on the corner of 8^th & Main).  The rear-mounted rack, was by Trek for about $25 and each of the collapsible baskets were $20.  I dig the collapsible baskets because they don’t have to stick out all the time when you aren’t using them.  Plus, I was able to install the whole thing by myself in less than an hour - probably closer to a half and hour thank you very much.  The best part is that when my friend Jack was visiting a few weeks ago he got “basket envy”, oohh so sweet.

 I am ready for Bike to Work Week and pumped for the challenge.  The City of Chico has stepped it up this year, modeling the event after other successful events, such as the Million Mile Challenge in Sacramento and Chain Reaction in San Luis Obispo.  Businesses are awarded base points for their bike incentive plans and for being bike friendly at work, such as showers, lockers, etc.  Employees record the miles they commute each day.  And, the event finishes off with the City of Chico awarding winners in the Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions.  For questions about Bike to Work Week, or to sign up, visit the Bike to Work Week Website, or email Ron Baker, rbaker@ci.chico.ca.us. 

For questions about adding baskets to your bike, visit the folks at Pullins Cyclery on 8th & Main or any of the local bike shops.  You can also email me, caseychatcher@gmail.com, and I might just be able to help.  

Bike more, drive less.

 Casey.