Pledge to Bike to Work

Pledge to bike to work at least one day during California Bike to Work Week, May 12-16, and you could win great prizes.
In Los Angeles County: Pledge at metro.net
In Orange County: Pledge at octa.net
Throughout Southern California: Pledge at californiabikecommute.com

New Carpool Lanes Open on the I-5

Good news for carpoolers: Caltrans in April opened 6.2 miles of carpool lanes on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) from the SR 118 to the Antelope Valley Freeway. The carpool lanes are the first on the I-5 in Los Angeles County and will link to future planned carpool lane projects, including a direct carpool lane connector between the I-5 and SR-14. For details, visit Caltrans at dot.ca.gov/dist07.

Speeders Spend a Lot More on Gas

Trying to save money on gas? Slow down! In a typical family sedan, every 10 miles per hour you drive over 60 is like the price of gasoline going up about 54 cents a gallon, according to a fuel economy theory tested by engineers at Consumer Reports magazine. This is because pushing air around a car at highway speeds takes up about 40% of a cars energy – and the faster you go, the harder your car has to work.

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Everybody’s talking these days about how to save money on gas.  Of course, it’s smart to shop around for the lowest prices and to keep your car tuned up for optimum gas mileage.  One of the best ways to save on gas, however, is also the most fun, and that’s to bike to work.  After all, bikes run entirely on people power!

You might think commuting by bike is only for die-hard cyclists, but it’s not.  If you live five miles or fewer from the office, you may be able to ride to work hardly breaking a sweat.  Even if you live farther away, biking may still be an option.  Almost all buses in Southern California are equipped with racks – you can ride as far as your local transit stop and take your bike the rest of the way.  Metro Rail and Metrolink also allow bikes on board during off-peak hours.  Or stow your bike in a locker at a Park & Ride and catch a carpool or vanpool the rest of the way.

A great time to give it a try is Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 15.  You’ll be able to join thousands of cyclists who’ll be getting to work on two wheels. 

A few reasons to participate in Bike to Work Day…

1. Fun events – Stop at any of 37 Bike to Work Day “pit stops” from 6 to 9 a.m. where you can take a break, connect with other riders, and enjoy snacks and giveaways. These are open to the public and located throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
2. Prizes – Pledge to bike to work and win prizes, including a new bike, gift cards, bike equipment and more (see box, right, for details on how to pledge).
3. Free rides – Bicyclists can ride free on many Southland buses and Metro Rail on May 15 or on VISTA buses all week long.
4. Fitness – Cyclists get fit on way to work and burn off stress instead of gasoline.
5. To do your share to stop global warming – Cars and trucks are behind 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.  Any time you bike instead of drive, you’re stopping pounds of pollution from going into the air.

Before you get started, experts recommend that you visit a bike shop to get a tune-up on your bike if you haven’t ridden it for a while.  Also, map out a route that’s bike friendly – the best way to drive isn’t always the best way to ride.  At bikemetro.com, you can get a customized route just for bicyclists that gives you directions on bike paths and roads with the fewest hills and widest streets.

Now have fun pedaling past the pumps!

Huell Howser