County Council recognizes “pedal power” of Bike to Work Month participants

June 29, 2009

Summary

Nearly 200 County employees take part in month-long challenge

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today congratulated County employees who used two-wheeled transportation for the month of May. The Council recognized the 37 teams, including three from the legislative branch, that participated in the County’s Bike to Work Month challenge.

“Healthy, active lifestyles among employees can reduce symptoms of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, and can help maintain a healthy weight,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, who is chair of the King County Board of Health. “I am proud of our riders for their active role in contributing to their good health, the environment, and their pocketbook.”

A total of 176 riders participated in the campaign, including Councilmember Jane Hague and 42 participants who were new to the challenge. There were 1,136 employee round trips reported, a total of 1206 days when employees biked, and a total of 17,136 miles ridden. During Bike to Work Month, King County employees avoided the discharge of an estimated 13,900 pounds of carbon dioxide, 52 pounds of hydrocarbons, and 469 pounds of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Participants also saved 714 gallons of gas for a savings of almost $2,000 in fuel costs alone.

Bike to Work Month is an annual countywide event sponsored by many organizations including Group Health Cooperative, Starbucks, Adobe, Microsoft, Clif Bar, Ortlieb, and the Cascade Bicycle Club. This May, 1228 teams from businesses, non-profit organizations and government competed for the most number of miles ridden and trips taken.

Councilmembers Julia Patterson, Pete von Reichbauer, Kathy Lambert and Larry Phillips recognize County employees who took the challenge and biked to work in May.