(Updated) Santa Fe Celebrates Bike to Work Week

(See below the fold for Update) From the City of Santa Fe: Santa Fe will be celebrating National Bike to Work Week 2007, May 14-18.  Santa Feans will come together in order to increase awareness about cyclists, educate drivers and cyclists, encourage cycling as an important means of transportation, and support potential new cyclists in joining our community.

Many activities and outreach events are being planned for Santa Fe’s Bike to Work Week.  Events include:

• Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bike Bonanza at Gonzales Elementary School
• Monday, May 14, 12 noon, Bike to Work Week Kickoff event with installation of the first of ten new public bike racks at the corner of Don Gaspar and Alameda.
• Wednesday, May 16, Bike to School Day. Students will bike to school and participate in after school Bike Rodeo and Safety Workshops. For a current list of participating schools, contact balodolce@santafenm.gov.
• Thursday, May 17, 5:30 p.m., Critical Mass group ride will leave from the Plaza.
• Friday, May 18, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bike to Work Day, DeVargas Park.  Individuals and group convoy rides will converge at De Vargas Park in the morning and during the lunch hour for speakers, food, bicycle maintenance and repair workshops, Bikes on Transit demos, free bicycle safety equipment giveaways, bicycle safety information, display of a draft Santa Fe Bikeways Map, custom bicycle and trailer expos, contests and more.  Currently, morning convoy rides will be coming from Tesuque, Casa Allegre and Frenchy’s Field Park.  To join a ride or lead one, contact balodolce@santafenm.gov.

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Why Bike to Work?  Riding a bicycle is inexpensive, increases car parking, and decreases taxes used for road repair.  Fewer cars means safer communities with less speeding, reduced traffic congestion, and decreased noise and environmental pollution.  Bicycling is often faster than driving a car in urban areas and reduces health expenses by creating a more physically fit population.  Additionally, the environmental and health effects of a car-dependent world are extensive and far reaching.

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Several local business sponsors will also be offering specials to cyclists throughout the week.  That growing list currently includes Downtown Subscriptions, Holy Spirit Espresso, Mellow Velo (store and bike café) Meridian Espresso & News, Second Street Brewery and Travel Bug.  Visit these businesses to get a special when you ride your bike and thank them for supporting cyclists!

For more information, to get involved, or to become a sponsor, contact Becky Lo Dolce at balodolce@santafenm.gov or 955-6629.

UPDATE 5/14: Many cafés have offered DISCOUNTS to cyclists throughout the week.  Ride your bike to the following sponsors to get a special and thank them for their support!

• Cowgirl Barbeque and Grill: FREE dessert with lunch M-F
• Downtown Subscriptions: FREE coffee on May 18th, 50% OFF coffee drinks M-F
• Ecco Espresso & Gelato: FREE small latté M-F
• The Go Cart: $1 coffee 8-10 AM, M-F
• Holy Spirit Espresso: FREE coffee M-F
• Meridian Espresso & News: FREE coffee on May 18th, 50% off coffee drinks M-F
• Plaza Bakery - Haagen Dazs: FREE coffee 7-9 AM, M-F
• Second Street Brewery: 10% OFF all food & beverages M-F
• Travel Bug: FREE medium latté M-F

Additional specials available for Locals Care cardholders. Additional Bike to Work sponsors include: Bagelmania, Bike Coalition of New Mexico, Capital High School Marching Band, Chainbreaker Collective, City of Santa Fe, Coca-Cola, Critical Mass, Frankie Flats Bicycle Repair, La Montanita Co-op, Mellow Velo, Mission Café and Sweet Shop, Pedal Queens, Santa Fe InterFaith Alliance for Environmental Stewardship, Santa Fe Pedicabs, Santa Fe Reporter, Vladimir Chaloupka Photography, Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Natural Market.