Bike to Work Day

We need Bike to Work Day for the same reason we need Mother’s Day, or Secretary’s Day, or even Valentine’s Day, for that matter. If it weren’t on the calendar, you wouldn’t send that card, say that thank-you, or buy those chocolates. But maybe, just maybe, if you do it once, on the day that everybody else is doing it, you’ll try it again and become hooked on cycle commuting. Because there’s no better way to start the day than by getting to work on your own carbon-free pedal power. May is Bike to Work Month, and today there will be 42 commuter stations throughout King, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties—stocked with cyclist schwag and coffee from 6 to 9 a.m. Last year’s count was 19,000 bicycle commuters; many of today’s riders will converge for a celebratory rally (with more free coffee!). It’s a chance to revel in the camaraderie of having more two-wheeled types than cars downtown, and to snicker softly at the novices as they try to manage their toe clips. Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., www.cascade.org. 7:30 a.m. AIMEE CURL

Fri., May 16, 7:30 a.m., 2008