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Diana Soliwon

Daily Egyptian


David More, coordinator of Carbondale's annual Bike to Work Day, embraced bicycling the day his car broke down years ago.

He said the days he spent riding his bicycle while waiting on car repairs are what led him to help organize the fourth annual Bike to Work Day event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Town Square Pavilion on Friday.

"There was something about hearing the birds chirping and not having to worry about parking places that did it for me," More said.

Since then, More has been coordinating the annual luncheon for members of the community who think bicycling is an economical and healthy alternative to driving vehicles.

Mayor Brad Cole said the idea behind the event is to make people aware that Carbondale is a bicycle-friendly community. The number of bicycle paths and trails throughout the city should be used as much as possible, he said.

The mayor will present awards to businesses that have the most employees who rode their bicycles to work, as well as for the individual who traveled the farthest to the event on their bicycles, More said. Last year people rode from places such as Carterville and Murphysboro to show their support for the event, he said.

Cole said he knows not everyone who rides their bike to work will be able to attend the luncheon, but does not discourage the cause, he said.

"It's positive for the environment and economically it makes sense," Cole said. "The point is that the people will get that across by riding their bikes to work."

City Councilwoman Sheila Simon said in light of rising gas prices she hopes the event will lead to more people riding their bicycles throughout this summer. Simon said she has opted to save money and help reduce gas emissions by bicycling to places as much as she can.

"I ride my bike just about every day that I can," Simon said. "Everyday is a bike-to-work day for me."

The League of American Bicyclists has recognized May as Bike-to-Work Month since 1956 in an effort to promote alternatives to driving vehicles. Many communities, including Carbondale, have since adopted a Bike to Work Day within the month to show their support for the cause.