Penn State students, faculty, staff and members of the State College area community are encouraged to participate International Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, Feb. 12. Cyclists will meet at 7:45 a.m. on the Old Main steps on the University Park campus to enjoy hot coffee and networking. Active Lions will offer giveaways and a group photo will be taken at 7:55 a.m.
The goal of the annual event -- organized by Penn State’s Sustainability Institute, Transportation Services, Active Lions and CentreBike -- is to celebrate biking as a year-round opportunity. Participating organizations are encouraging students and employees who commute by bike in the warmer months to try out winter commuting.
“We’re hoping to see even more people try winter biking this year,” said Anna Nelson, one of the organizers of the event. “When people give it a shot, they discover it is easier than they realized – you just need to dress for it.”
Last year, the event landed on a particularly windy and cold morning – but despite the chilly temperature, over 30 people arrived by bike.
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Penn State as a Bicycle Friendly Campus and the State College-Centre Region as a Bicycle Friendly Community. These designations are based on accessibility for bikes, safety of road infrastructure, level of education and enforcement, and future planning, among other factors. Penn State continues to work on improvements in this area, including the hiring of a new alternative transportation coordinator earlier this year.
CentreBike is a coalition of cyclists in the Centre Region that promotes cycling for transportation and recreation. It works with local governments, as well as Penn State, for events and education. In preparation for the event, CentreBike is offering tips and guidance about winter cycling.
For more information about the event, contact Anna Nelson via email at morrison.anna@gmail.com.