Bicyclists from around the Baltimore region are invited to take part in the 24th annual Bike to Work celebration scheduled for Monday, May 17- Sunday, May 23. Registration opens April 15 at biketoworkmd.com.

Organized by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) and its member jurisdictions, Bike to Work Week is a socially-distanced cycling challenge to encourage commuting by bike. Riders qualify for free t-shirts, giveaways, and prizes, plus discover the advantages of a cleaner commuting option.

Participants who register for the event may ride any time during the week and pick up event shirts and other giveaways at participating bike shops throughout the region.

This year’s event, once again, includes a random prize drawing for gear and goodies as well as features a grand prize drawing for a new bike. All registered riders have a chance to win regional prizes. Free event t-shirts and goodie bags can be picked up at any time during the week, but are limited to the first 1,500 riders. Registration for Bike to Work Week 2021 is open through Saturday, May 22, at biketoworkmd.com.

To make Bike Month even more fun, BMC offers cyclists a free online cycling challenge and encouragement program called Love to Ride. This fun, friendly, and free competition between workplaces, clubs, and individuals uses prize drawings, leaderboards, and virtual networking to challenge users to get more people cycling – especially new riders. The program is year-round and features special prize challenges in May for Corporate Challenge participants.

Riders can register at lovetoride.net to earn points for every mile they ride, every day they ride, and every new person they encourage to ride. Individuals only have to ride for ten minutes anytime, anywhere – for fun, fitness, transportation, or even indoors – to be eligible for prizes and help their team climb the leaderboard.

Both Bike to Work Week and Love to Ride are supported by donations from generous sponsors. BMC member jurisdictions Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne counties, along with Baltimore City serve as local organizers. Funding is provided in part by Clean Air Partners, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Harford Transit LINK, Commuter Crew, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland, Harford Commute Smart, Race Pace Bicycles, the Maryland Department of Transportation, RK&K, Harford County Public Library, and Joe’s Bike Shop.

About Bike to Work Week

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council organizes an annual Bike to Work celebration in the region. Bike to Work Week is a campaign that celebrates bicycling as a healthy commuting option while promoting public awareness of its safety and environmental benefits. Bike to Work Week helps raise awareness of the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and also highlights the need to improve bicycle facilities to improve safety.

About Love to Ride Central MD

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council has partnered with Love to Ride to bring more fun, more community, and more inspiration to get more people riding. Love to Ride is a biking encouragement website and app free to anyone who lives or works in the Central MD region.