Charlottesville, Va. – May 15–19, 2023. This year, a coalition of nonprofits, local governments, and volunteers is organizing Charlottesville’s annual Bike to Work Week, from May 15-19. All in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area are invited to bike throughout the week, whether it’s to work, to school, or just for fun.
For the first time, Bike to Work includes a full week of activities, including a kickoff on May 15 at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen (520 Second St SE, Charlottesville), a Bike Bus on May 16, and an E-bike demonstration on May 18.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Virginia. Replacing short car trips with biking lowers emissions, improves air quality, and reduces traffic—and it’s fun! Biking, walking, and taking public transit also build healthy habits, reduce stress, and strengthen community ties. The Bike to Work Week events strive to do just that: galvanize the Charlottesville/Albemarle community and make everyone feel welcome biking to work.
The organizers encourage community members to check out our website for further details at https://biketoworkcville.org, and pledge to bike during Bike to Work Week at https://biketoworkcville.org/individual-signup. Then bike to work, to school, or just for fun, and join us at our community events throughout the week. Here are some highlights:
- Monday, May 15, 4:30 – 7 p.m.: Kickoff Party (Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen)
Celebrate biking, meet people, and share/learn tips from bike commuters. - Tuesday May 16, 7:45 – 9 a.m.: “Bike Bus” (Wool Factory to UVA)
Enjoy traffic-safety in numbers by biking in a large group at a relaxed pace. - Wednesday May 17, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Appreciation Station (Main Street at Shenanigans)
Pick up snacks, swag and encouragement along your route. - Thursday May 18, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Snack+swag tent at Preston and McIntire
Pick up snacks, swag and encouragement along your route. - Thursday May 8, 4 – 6 p.m. E-bike demo at the Albemarle County Office Building
Test out electrified rides that make biking even easier and more fun! - Throughout the week Bike to Work Appreciation Stations at various UVA locations Tues: Skipwith Hall 6:45 – 9 a.m.;
Wed: UVA Hospital 6:45 – 8:15 a.m.;
Thurs: Aquatic & Fitness Center 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
View the most up-to-date list of events at biketoworkcville.org
“I love biking to work (and back) because I get a little extra workout while everyone else is sitting and I’m having fun in the fresh air instead of getting stressed out about traffic. It’s a nice way to reset my mood between places,” says Peter Krebs of the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Contacts:
Josh Carp (jm.carp@gmail.com, 201-259-7641)
Peter Krebs (pkrebs@pecva.org,434-465-9869)
Katie Ebinger (katie@theclimatecollaborative.org, 650-353-0804)
Sara Pennington (rideshare@tjpdc.org, 434-295-6165)
About The Organizations:
Livable Cville
Livable Cville advocates for policies to build an inclusive community in the Charlottesville area with affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and healthy neighborhoods that are welcoming to all. Learn more at https://livablecville.org/
Contact: Josh Carp (jm.carp@gmail.com, 201-259-7641)
Piedmont Environmental Council
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities. Learn more at www.pecva.org.
Contact: Peter Krebs (pkrebs@pecva.org,434-465-9869)
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3)
The Community Climate Collaborative aims to bring communities together to lead on climate by working closely with schools, businesses, citizens, and local governments to implement carbon emissions reductions, develop climate action plans, and enact equitable policies that accelerate climate action. Learn more at http://www.theclimatecollaborative.org
Contact: Katie Ebinger (available for phone or email interview at 650-353-0804 or katie@theclimatecollaborative.org)
Rideshare
RideShare is a program of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission in cooperation with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, working to reduce traffic congestion and increase mobility throughout Central Virginia and the Central Shenandoah Valley. Learn more at https://rideshareinfo.org/
Contact: Sara Pennington (rideshare@tjpdc.org, 434-295-6165)