Bike to Work Day (BTWD) 2024 held annually on May 17th saw cities across the United States come alive with the spirit of sustainable commuting. This annual event encourages people to ditch their cars in favor of bicycles, promoting a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner environment. With various cities hosting pit stops, organizing group rides, and celebrating community efforts.
In Washington, D.C., the day was marked by numerous events organized by Commuter Connections. The Shirlington, NoMA at Wunder Garten, and National Landing at APTA pit stops were buzzing with activity as cyclists gathered to kick off their day. Participants enjoyed free T-shirts, food, and prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Local businesses such as REI and The Rounds participated, making the event a community-wide celebration of cycling.
What a fantastic Bike to Work Day! 🚲 Workouts, wellness, cupcakes, coffee, and Swiss goodies – that's how we pedal! 🧁☕💪🍓🔔 Big shoutout to our amazing community for turning a regular commute into something special! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/41amFLXbte
— Georgetown BID (@georgetowndc) May 17, 2024
Georgetown BID enhanced the excitement with wellness activities, cupcakes, coffee, and Swiss treats at their pit stop. The U.S. Department of Energy showcased its commitment to reducing carbon footprints by having staff, including Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk, bike to headquarters. The Embassy of Switzerland and the European Union in the U.S. also took part, promoting sustainable commuting with e-bike demonstrations and healthy snacks.
It’s #BikeToWorkDay, and at the Department of Energy, we lead with action.
— U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) May 17, 2024
DOE staffers joined Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk and @USDOT and pedaled their way to DOE’s HQ to show folks what it’s like to reduce their carbon footprint through their morning work commute. pic.twitter.com/9PvDpDSRFc
From diplomatic staff to local commuters, Washington, D.C.’s Bike to Work Day demonstrated a collective effort to adopt healthier, greener transportation options.
Happy @BikeToWorkDay! We loved seeing so many of you this morning at the Georgetown Waterfront pitstop. If you missed us on your way to work, be sure to drop by the Embassy after work for some healthy treats, 🇨🇭 trivia and to try e-bikes from🇨🇭 company Stromer. #BiketoWork 🚲 pic.twitter.com/P0qdCscatr
— Embassy of Switzerland in the USA (@SwissEmbassyUSA) May 17, 2024
Baltimore celebrated its 27th Bike to Work Day with great enthusiasm. Mayor Brandon M. Scott highlighted the city’s efforts to improve cycling infrastructure, noting the addition of over 273 miles of bike lanes and trails, including the Greenway Trail Network, which connects 75 neighborhoods. The city’s commitment to enhancing safety and accessibility for cyclists was evident, reflecting a broader goal of making Baltimore a more bike-friendly city .
Today, we celebrated the 27th anniversary of Bike to Work Day in Baltimore. 🚲 pic.twitter.com/VH2rlJAiM5
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) May 17, 2024
In Philadelphia, Councilmember Rue Landau and other local leaders participated in a group ride from 6th and Washington to City Hall, organized by the Bicycle Coalition. The event underscored the health and environmental benefits of biking, encouraging residents to consider cycling not just on Bike to Work Day, but as a regular means of transportation .
Let’s ride! Today I woke up and biked from 6th and Washington to City Hall with @councilmemberjg , @marksquilla , @SenatorSaval , and members of the community as part of @bicyclecoalition’s Bike to Work or Wherever Day! Biking is a great way to move around in a healthy and… pic.twitter.com/NIgTDNdwMQ
— Councilmember Rue Landau (@RuePhilaCouncil) May 17, 2024
Boston’s Bike to Work Day saw significant participation, with MassBike and the City of Boston leading the charge. Cyclists gathered for group rides and enjoyed snacks and swag at various booths. The event highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable commuting options .
Even in the chilly conditions of Anchorage, Alaska, thousands of cyclists took to the streets for Bike to Work Day. The Anchorage Assembly hosted a booth at City Hall, offering snacks and promotional items to participants. The strong turnout demonstrated the city’s commitment to active transportation, despite the less-than-ideal weather .
Mayor Fulop of Jersey City led a ride from Riverview Park to City Hall, celebrating the city’s ongoing efforts to expand its bike lane network. With over 25 miles of new bike lanes, Jersey City is making strides towards a greener, more bike-friendly urban environment .
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Transportation emphasized the importance of cycling safety and accessibility. Initiatives like the Central Park Avenue Pedestrian and Bike Safety Improvement Project aim to make cycling safer and more convenient for residents, reducing traffic congestion and expanding access to resources.
Salt Lake County’s Regional Development Office celebrated Bike to Work Day with a unique twist, incorporating bikes, electric scooters, and roller skates for a trip to Estes Pizza. This inclusive approach highlighted the variety of sustainable transportation options available to residents.
Despite rainy conditions, Cleveland’s bike community showed up in force. Bike Cleveland noted the resilience and enthusiasm of local cyclists, reinforcing the idea that Bike to Work Day is not just a celebration, but a glimpse into a future where biking is a central part of urban mobility .
Bike to Work Day 2024 was a resounding success, highlighting the benefits of cycling. Regular biking improves health, reduces stress, cuts carbon emissions, saves money, and eases traffic congestion. With these advantages, biking to work offers a sustainable solution for urban living.