Washington, D.C. – State and local elected officials and dignitaries, including members of Congress, mayors, and city councilmembers will show their support for cycling to work on Bike to Work Day by visiting pit stops around the region. Over 15,000 commuters will leave their cars at home for the event, held this Friday, May 20. By riding their bicycles to work, commuters will be choosing a healthier lifestyle while also helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Coordinated by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), this free event demonstrates that more commuters than ever are choosing to cycle to work in the metropolitan Washington region. Since the inaugural Bike to Work Day in 2001, registration has grown each year, corresponding to the overall boost in regional bicycle ridership among commuters.

This year, dozens of dignitaries and elected officials will be on-hand to celebrate bicycling as a healthy, low-cost, and low-impact alternative to drive-alone commuting.

“Bike to Work Day is a once a year chance to measure the level of bicycle ridership in the region, providing momentum to advocate for cyclists and bicycling infrastructure,” said Director of Commuter Connections Nicholas Ramfos. “We appreciate the ongoing support from the metropolitan Washington region’s federal, state, and local representatives—along with the private-sector employers—who help make Bike to Work Day a regional success each year.”

The following elected officials and dignitaries are confirmed to visit Bike to Work Day pit stop celebrations on May 20:

District of Columbia

Capitol Hill – Eastern Market
District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen

Freedom Plaza
District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen
District of Columbia Councilmember Jack Evans
District of Columbia Councilmember Elissa Silverman

Maryland

Bethesda
Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot
Maryland State Delegate Ariana Kelly
Maryland State Delegate Marc Korman
Montgomery County Council Vice President Roger Berliner
Representing Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Kathryn Provost
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Director Ken Hartman (representing County Executive Ike Leggett)

College Park City Hall
City of College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn

Frederick
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner
Frederick County Council Vice President MC Keegan-Ayer
City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement
City of Frederick Alderman Kelly Russell
City of Frederick Alderman Donna Kuzemchak
Representing Senator Ben Cardin's Office, Robin Summerfield
Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Research Fort Detrick, Major General Brian Lein
Commander U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, Colonel Robert Anthony O'Brien IV

Greenbelt
Greenbelt Mayor Emmett V. Jordan
Greenbelt Mayor Pro Tem Judith F. Davis
Greenbelt Councilmember Leta Mach
Greenbelt Councilmember Edward V.J. Putens

North Bethesda – US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen
Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer

Rockville Town Center
Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton
Rockville City Councilmember Mark Pierzchala

Takoma Park - Downtown/Old Takoma
Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart

Virginia
Alexandria – Old Towne
City of Alexandria Councilwoman Del Pepper

Arlington - Rosslyn
Congressman 8th District, Don Beyer

Fairfax City Downtown
Virginia House of Delegates 37th District, David Bulova
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne

Herndon
Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel
Town of Herndon Councilmember Sheila Olem

Reston- Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station
Fairfax County Supervisor (Hunter Mill District) Cathy Hudgins
Reston Association Board of Directors President Ellen Graves

Whether commuters bike to work daily, occasionally, or are trying it for the first time this year, it’s important that bicyclists register and be counted among the thousands of bike supporters. Plus, registrants will be entered into a bicycle raffle—and the first 15,000 to register and attend will receive a free event t-shirt.

Many generous sponsors have provided financial and/or in-kind resources to Bike to Work Day to help make the event both fun and rewarding for participants. This year’s major sponsors include Takoma Bicycle, ICF International, REI, Bike Arlington, Marriott International, The JBG Companies, City of Alexandria, and BicycleSPACE.

This year’s Bike to Work Day will boast 83 pit stops across the region, welcoming bicyclists with refreshments, fun, and great prizes, while supplies last.

New and experienced riders can learn about the free event and register online at http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/. Follow Commuter Connections on Twitter at @BikeToWorkDay and use #BTWD2016.