I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported Bike to Work Day on May 15, 2009. Bike to Work Day is a national celebration and the signature event for May as Clean Commute Month. Harford County participates in this event each year to promote cycling as an environmentally responsible alternative form of transportation.

Many people came together to make this an extremely successful event in Harford County. This year was the largest rally that Harford County has had with nearly 200 registrants. The rally festivities kicked off with bicycle convoys arriving at the rally from points as far north as the Pennsylvania line and as far south as the Route 40 corridor. County Executive David R. Craig proclaimed May 15 Bike to Work Day and to prove it, rode to his 8:00 AM meeting in a bicycle rickshaw courtesy of Chesapeake Cycle and Sport. A parade of 120 cyclists followed the County Executive through downtown Bel Air thanks to the safety efforts of the Bel Air Town Police. A special thank you goes to WXCY 103.7 for emceeing the event and providing fast paced music in the chilly early morning. I would like to thank Councilman Richard Slutzky, and the County Council members for their proclamation on Bike to Work Day.

A highlight of the rally was the 4th Annual Briefcase Challenge, which rewards an employer for having the most participants. It was a huge success with numerous companies competing. Aberdeen Proving Ground was the winner in the large company category; SAIC was the winner in the mid-size company category; and a local division of LMI Consulting won in the small business category.

New to the rally this year was the Green Pedal Essay Contest. This writing contest challenged K-5th grade students to write about how riding their bike helps to make the air cleaner. Margo Sybert, a 5th grader at Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School won the grand prize of a brand new bicycle, courtesy of Chesapeake Cycle & Sport, and the opportunity to ride with County Executive Craig in the parade.

I am sincerely grateful for the very generous and wonderful supporters of this event. They include: The Aegis, WXCY, 103.7, WBAL TV-11, BJ's Wholesale, Einstein Bagels, Conte's Bikes, Chesapeake Cycle & Sport, The Bicycle Connection, and Biller's Bikes. Other Bike to Work Day sponsors include: The Arena Club, Town of Bel Air, Bel Air Athletic Club, Bonefish Grill, The Green Turtle, Looney's North, MaGerk's, Mountain Branch Golf Course and Grille, Ripken Stadium, Wawa, and VPSI, Inc. All of these sponsors outdid themselves in their support. Finally, thank you to Harford County Government's sponsorship through various departments including Community Services, Planning and Zoning, Facilities and Operations, and Human Resources.

My appreciation and thanks go to the Bike to Work Day Committee, the Bel Air Town Police, security, and volunteers who made this event a success. I look forward to working with everyone next year for another outstanding Bike to Work Day.

Sincerely,

Patricia W. Fielder
Rideshare and Community Resource Coordinator
Harford Commuter Assistance Program
Department of Community Services

A Clean Commute is a Clear Choice