Kiran Pandey
Staff Writer
Featuring a variety of community events, fun prizes and a free t-shirt for all participants, the Bannock Transportation Planning Organization will host its annual Bike to Work program this May.
Bike to Work was launched in 2009 to promote the habit of using environment-friendly transportation devices.
“Environment is everything for us and there is no possibility that we can live by destroying the environment,” said Dez Ruiz, coordinator of Bike to Work.
Ruiz has been interning with the Bannock Transportation Planning Organization and has been coordinating Bike to Work since November. Since then, Ruiz has been working to bring more sponsors and advertisers to the campaign.
Individuals will have plenty of opportunities to participate in Bike to Work, including bike inspection on April 28 at Barrie’s Ski and Sports on Yellowstone Ave.
“We have grand prizes for our lucky participants and I personally encourage every person to be a part of this program,” Ruiz said.
There is a Facebook contest throughout the period of the program where participants can post a picture with a hashtag “BTW2018” where they can win prizes.
On May 5, participants can check tire pressure, check brakes and do a basic inspection of their bikes while enjoying a free barbeque.
“The Bike to Work Program is not necessarily a tour,” Ruiz said. “It is a fun challenge and a great way to start the summer with some positive vibes. I think it is a good thing to contribute to the environment and walkout of the program with some free t-shirts.”
The program is not only about using cycling as a means of transportation, it’s also about using alternative methods whenever possible.
“Idaho is not a perfect place for biking all year around,” Ruiz said. “With this program, we will encourage how walking a few minutes or using buses instead of driving can help in maintaining air quality.”
Ruiz and her team have been using social media as a platform to advertise the event.
“I bike because I feel biking is cheaper than other methods and also it helps me keep fit,” said Ishwor Sah, a freshman at ISU.
The Bike to Work parade is set for May 18, where people can enjoy a parade around Old Town along with free food and music.
The Jay Anderson Memorial Marsh Valley Tour is on May 26 where participants can finish the month by participating in a 26-mile tour and enjoy a free lunch afterwards.
All the participants can track their use of alternative transportation and can enter into a contest for a chance to win one of three grand prizes, which includes an adult bike.
“People of all ages and different backgrounds have been a part of the program in past years and I am looking forward for larger participation,” Ruiz said. “Every person I have talked to so far has been really helpful and many people have reached me to participate in the program.”
