May 16, 2007

Connecticut DEP Hosts "Bike to Work Day" on May 18

Bicyclists meet at Old State House, Hartford

As the final event of "Bike to Work Week" on Friday, May 18, 2007, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy and a group of DEP bicyclists will meet at 7:15 a.m. the Pond House at Elizabeth Park in Hartford and bike to Hartford’s Old State House for a brief ceremony at 8:00 a.m. to showcase how ordinary citizens can take simple actions to reduce air pollution."

"The DEP is working hard to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change with innovative clean air programs," said Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the Connecticut DEP. "Reminding people that the choices they make impact the quality of the air we breathe and the very future of our planet, we can make every citizen a part of Connecticut’s total clean air effort. We encourage the public to look at their daily activities and to find ways to reduce pollution in their own lives. Bicycling to work is one way to reduce harmful emissions from automobiles."

This is the eighth year the DEP has participated in "Bike to Work" promotions. Each year in May the DEP hosts an event at the Old State House in Hartford. "Bike to Work" events are being held throughout the Capitol region the week of May 14 – 18 this year.

On Friday, May 18, 2007 bicyclists will be greeted by DEP volunteers at the Old State House, Hartford from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast provided by The Travelers Insurance Companies, Inc.

Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and bicycle to work to provide benefits of air quality improvements from reduced automobile exhaust and reduced traffic for their community and the state of Connecticut. Individuals also benefit from bicycling to work with improved health and saving money for fuel.

"Bike to Work" is part of a larger effort by the Central Connecticut Cycling Alliance (CCBA) to improve bicycling conditions throughout the region. According to Dave Ringquist, President of CCBA, "Our goal is to change the environment, through education, infrastructure improvements and in changed attitudes that encourage growth in the number of cyclists."

"Bike to Work Week" is sponsored by the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance. For further information visit the following website: www.wecyclect.org/