SAN DIEGO–Thousands chose to GO by BIKE on the 29th annual SANDAG Bike to Work Day on Thursday morning.
Bike riders around the region were cheered on by enthusiastic supporters with treats, encouragement, and giveaways as they pedaled across San Diego County on their way to work.
Scattered showers throughout the region did not discourage thousands of bike riders who visited 100 pit stops spanning from San Ysidro to Lakeside to Oceanside. While visits to pit stops were down from 2018 due to the weather, a record-breaking 7,593 people registered for the event, showing a resounding interest in bike commuting in the region.
SANDAG has organized Bike to Work Day for more than 20 years to promote a fun, environmentally friendly, and cost-saving alternative to driving.
“I’m thrilled that thousands of dedicated bike commuters didn’t let the rain stop them from participating in the 29th annual SANDAG Bike to Work Day,” said SANDAG Board Vice Chair and Mayor of Encinitas Catherine Blakespear. “This countywide event aims to plant the seed that riding a bike is a viable transportation option. The number of registered participants and pit stop visits we saw today shows that biking is a safe and pleasant commuting choice in San Diego County. At SANDAG and in cities throughout the county we are continuing to add miles of bikeways, which will allow more commuters to GO by BIKE.”
The SANDAG iCommute program organized 100 pit stops, staffed by volunteers who represented health care organizations, local businesses, municipalities, government agencies, colleges and schools, bike companies, and sponsors.
Registered participants received a free commemorative Bike to Work Day 2019 t-shirt, sponsored by JUMP by Uber.
The 29th annual SANDAG Bike to Work Day was sponsored by JUMP by Uber, and supported by: Cox Communications, GoGo squeeZ, Kashi, Suja Juice, 2Wheels Cycling Boutique, Cal Coast Bicycles, Cycle Quest, Edison Cycle Co., Moment Bicycles, Revolution Bike Shop, Velofix Mobile Bike Shop, and San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.
