Skidmore eyes three-peat in Bike to Work challenge

Skidmore is again looking for participants to register and join the annual “Bike to Work Day” scheduled Friday, May 17, and sponsored by Bikeatoga (formerly the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network).

For the past two years, Skidmore has won the Bike to Work Day Steer Head trophy, which recognizes the largest number of riders representing an organization. This year thus far there are 32 Skidmore people registered to participate on Friday, which is more than last year’s 30 registrants. Sustainability Coordinator Levi Rogers says, “We are hoping to have 40 by Friday.” (Click here to register.) Levi Rogers, sustainability coordinator, updated the campus community May 14 with the following information:

"With heavy rain predicted, Friday's forecast is less than optimal for biking. We were recently informed that riders may bike to work any day this week and your ride will count toward the Bike to Work Day Challenge. If you already rode your bike to work this week please send me an email to let me know you have participated. If you haven't registered but are willing to bike to work tomorrow, please register with the Skidmore College team. We still have 32 registered riders but we are hoping this flexibility will help us reach our goal of 40 riders this year."

Bike to Work Day (BTWD) takes place rain or shine each May as part of National Bike Month. The day promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting and as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. This year Bikeatoga has partnered with the Capital District Transportation Committee, which has organized challenges in Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties.

The following trophies will be presented following BTWD this year:

Gear Head (highest participation for organizations with 10 or more employees)

Chrome Crank (highest participation for organizations with 10 or fewer employees)

Steer Head (largest number of riders)

Golden Fork (longest bike commute)

Wheel of Knowledge (school with most riders)

Riders are welcome to a free breakfast, said Rogers. “On Friday morning, registered riders are invited to a complementary breakfast provided by Bikeatoga from 6:30 to 9  a.m. at the Arts Center on the corner of Broadway and Spring Street. We’d also like to invite Skidmore riders to take part in a team ride from the Arts Center to campus. We plan to leave around 8 a.m. and take a group picture in front of Zankel Music Center once we arrive to campus.”

He added, “If you live too far away to bike your entire commute but still want to participate you can drive into town, park your car, and bike onto campus. Please consider this as an option!"

Please help the Steer Head trophy return to its Skidmore home by registering to participate in BTWD 2014. Those with questions are invited to contact Rogers.