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Safe and effective bicycle infrastructure is key to encourage
people to get out of their cars and on their bikes
BIKE SATURDAYS is an ongoing community promotion designed to encourage people to take responsibility for their own health, regardless of age or ability, and to provide awareness about the need to develop serious -- and SAFE infrastructure exclusively for bicycles. 

  It's also about having some fun along the way!







Researchers are starting to recognize the power of lifestyle changes over drug prescriptions. It's been well documented by experts that exercise was such a 'potent' force against cancer that it should be prescribed as part of disease treatment -- and at the top of their list is CYCLING!

Clearly, biking is advantageous for one’s physical health. It’s widely known that cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that’s good for the cardiovascular system, a way to control weight gain, and benefits our immune system. In addition, daily bicycling can have positive effects on our mental well-being.

64% of all Americans are seriously obese
In June 2013, the American Medical Association voted in favor of recognizing obesity as a disease; the Food and Drug Administration already does. This newly-labeled disease is predicted to affect more than 64 percent of all Americans by 2030 if no action is taken.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the positive impact of making cities more bike-friendly: “integrating health-enhancing choices into transportation policy has the potential to save lives by preventing chronic diseases, reducing and preventing motor-vehicle-related injury and deaths, improving environmental health, while stimulating economic development, and ensuring access for all people.” The CDC also recognized that a lack of efficient transportation alternatives to driving and a fear of biking in heavy traffic only encouraged people to continue to drive all or most of the time.
This is insanity. 

BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION
HOW IT WORKS (in a nutshell - please call for complete details)

 PART I: Saturday Ride Events

 Saturday ride events are not races or other competition. It's promoted to bring out families and individuals who own bikes but rarely ride them and are part of the majority who feel it's is unsafe to ride city streets. The event provides the platform for county and city planning officials, law enforcement and other agencies to get the word out about the importance of bicycle infrastructure and the many other benefits of commuting by bicycle.
  • Any business can sponsor a Saturday Ride Event
  • NO fees to sponsor or to participants
  • Familiarizes cyclists with the local (on and off-road trail systems), trail etiquette and safety.
  • Provide economic benefits for businesses to encourage a bike commuting culture
PART II: Employee Based Team Points "Commute to Work/School"

 "Over two-thirds of all traffic is from local residents commuting to and from work. Nearly half of all trips are three miles or less and 28 percent are one mile or less – distances easily covered by bicycle." Yet 65 percent of trips under one mile are made by automobile.
  • Any business can participate.
  • Any day an employee bikes or walks to work (school) points are awarded
  • Double points when participating in Bike Saturdays events
  • Points are converted to awards, prizes and other incentives. 
Suggested points system
  • Bike 15 points
  • Walk 10 points
  • Public Transportation 5 points
PART III: Merchant Incentive Promotion

 "Encourages residents and visitors to travel by bike and to patronize local businesses. Participating businesses place a special BIKE SATURDAYS decal in their storefront which lets customers know they are participating in the program and are offering discounts."
  • No fees to participate
  • Decals provided
  • Discounts and other incentives at the discretion of the merchant 

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