Reporting Andrea Fujii BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
There were hundreds of fewer cars on the road Friday and more bicycles. It was all for National Bike to Work Day.
Andrea Fujii explains that biking to work has more incentives than just staying fit.
Nearly 1,300 Baltimore area cyclists pledged to pedal rather than drive Friday.
"It’s Bike to Work Day!" said Monica Meade, cyclist.
This is the 13th year Maryland has participated in the national event. But it’s nothing new for the one percent of Marylanders who bike to work regularly.
"It makes the environment better, it makes us healthier, it makes our quality of life better," said Meade.
The federal government is trying to make it even more cost effective. Last year, Congress passed the Bicycle Commuter Act. This law allows employers to pay employees who bike to work everyday $20 a month. Employers could then write off that cost.
Organizers also say studies show biking to work everyday rather than driving saves on average between $6,000-$10,000 a year.
"Bike parts are a lot cheaper than car parts and water’s a lot cheaper than gas," said Paul Kovalcik, cyclist.
In the past three years, the city has added 50 miles of bike lanes, encouraging more cyclists to brave the streets.
"The Baltimore drivers can be kind of tough, kind of mean-spirited, but you learn to deal with it," said Kovalcik.
Many say the benefits far outweigh any risks. They hope this event sends a positive message.
"It’s really telling people that you can get out of your car and a cleaner way to get to work," said Stephanie Yanowitz, Baltimore Metropolitan Council.
In this latest legislative session Maryland passed a law requiring cars to leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
https://wjz.com/seenon/bike.road.exercise.2.1708059.htmloldId.20100522152132246