BETHLEHEM, Pa. — May 10-18 marks the local partaking of Lehigh Valley Bike to Work Week.
Bethlehem-based Coalition for Appropriate Transportation this week announced a few ways to join the festivities for those interested in riding along:
- 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10 – 26-mile group ride from Sand Island Park in Bethlehem to Easton Farmers’ Market
- Noon-1 p.m. Monday, May 12 – Free “How to Bike to Work” Zoom webinar to share more on using a bike for practical transportation, with guidance from one of CAT’s ride leaders
- Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, May 15 – Group ride in Bethlehem with Mayor J. William Reynolds
- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, May 16 – Group ride in Allentown alongside Mayor Matt Tuerk
All the group rides are open to the public for those ages 14 and older.
CAT requests those interested in the webinar and group rides to RSVP in advance.
“These rides promote bicycling transportation to local decision makers such as municipal governments, PennDOT, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and partner organizations,” CAT Executive Director Scott Slingerland said in an email to LehighValleyNews.com.
“The rides also acknowledge individuals who bike to work out of necessity or by choice for health, environment and enjoyment.”
“The rides also acknowledge individuals who bike to work out of necessity or by choice for health, environment, and enjoyment.”Coalition for Appropriate Transportation Executive Director Scott Slingerland
This time around, the nonprofit expects 30 to 40 riders at the Allentown and Bethlehem showings.
Still rolling
Slingerland said CAT has hosted events for the local Bike to Work Week since 1992 — from setting up early-morning breakfast stations for the commuters to offering prizes through area bike shops.
The nonprofit is now going on a decade of organizing group rides for the occasion.
The nonprofit CAT advocates for expanding ADA accessibility for pedestrians, and riding bikes, walking and taking public transit to get people where they need to go.
It’s on track to be moved out of its 1935 W. Broad St. office and into the first floor of the new Walnut Street Garage downtown by November.
“Community support from individuals and families has been awesome."Coalition for Appropriate Transportation Executive Director Scott Slingerland
Slingerland said the group hopes to start building bikes for its Holiday Bikes program in time to distribute them at the new cooperative facility this coming holiday season.
The group has raised $45,000 so far and hopes to put together another $25,000 for outfitting the inside of the building with tools, workbenches and more that will triple the workspace compared to its current facility.
“Community support from individuals and families has been awesome,” Slingerland said.
In addition to the group rides, the nonprofit hosts an assortment of workshops, rides and other public initiatives.
For those interested in donating to CAT’s cause, visit LVCAT.org.
