Today, more than 17,000 of metropolitan Washington area commuters braved the rain by leaving their cars at home and hopping on their bicycles for this year’s Bike to Work Day. The weather did not dampen the celebrations at the nearly 100 pit stops throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, where bicyclists received their free event t-shirt and were treated to food, beverages, prizes, and the chance to share the ride with other commuters.

Commuting by bicycle is becoming increasingly popular in the metropolitan Washington area, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2018 American Fitness Index, which named Washington, D.C. the number one city for walking and biking to work. The report found that 18.3 percent of residents bicycle or walk to work—a 3.9 percent increase from last year.

“Bike to Work Day’s continued success is a testament to our region’s commitment to healthier, and more environmentally-friendly forms of commuting,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections. “Each year we see greater enthusiasm for bicycling to work. For many, this event motivates participants to consider bicycling to work more frequently.”

In 2016, the Bike to Work Day survey found that 14 percent of participants took part in the event as first-time cyclists, and 28 percent of regular cyclists increased their bicycling to approximately three days per week after the annual event.

Bike to Work Day, co-sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), promotes bicycling as an alternate healthy commuting option that results in reduced commuting costs, less traffic congestion, healthier lifestyles, and improved air quality.

“The Bike to Work Day team is very grateful to be able to work collaboratively with a wide range of agencies, sponsors, and volunteers to deliver another successful event,” said Ramfos.  “Special thanks to our regional sponsors, including the GO Alex, ICF, Takoma Bicycle, Spokes Etc. Bicycles, California Tortilla, Bike Arlington, DentalBug, goDCgo, DC Bike Ride, BicycleSPACE, and Marriott for their generous support.”

Although Bike to Work Day is an annual event, there are a range of services and resources available year-round for those who would like to bicycle to work. Visit www.commuterconnections.org/commuters/bicycling/ for information on rules of the road, outfitting yourself and your bicycle, bike sharing, and more.

MORE: Follow this year’s event on Twitter via Commuter Connections at @BikeToWorkDay, and by using #BTWD2018 or #BTWDC.