Bay State Bike Week scheduled

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom Air Force Base, along with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, will partner with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bay State Bike Week, May 10 through 18.

This is a free week-long challenge to Massachusetts residents and employees that encourages people to use a bicycle instead of a car to get where you need to go.

Register for the challenge at http://masscommutebicyclechallenge.org to join "Team Hanscom."

When registering, make sure that your team receives proper credit on the leaderboard by entering "Hanscom AFB" under the "business tab."

Ride as many times as you can and log your trips and total miles for all trips by bike during May 10-18. Organizers especially encourage employees to ride a bicycle as a primary mode of transportation. This includes leisure biking during the weekends.

According to the Masscommute Bicycle Challenge website, numerous awards will be given to top performing teams in several categories. For a complete list, visit the website http://masscommutebicyclechallenge.org.

"This year we are participating in the annual Bay State Bike Week," said Robert Spelfogel, 66th Air Base Group environmental engineer. "All bicycle riders on Hanscom -- commuters and recreational -- are encouraged to log their miles with the Mass Commuter Challenge as part of the 'Hanscom AFB' team."

To log the miles, participants fill in the online form on the website.

Lincoln Lab, recognized as a "Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Business," is participating in the event for the fourth straight year.

"Recognizing the connection between good health and fitness, our director's office has been very supportive of our efforts," said Jennifer Melot, Lincoln Lab bicycle committee member. "On Thursday, May 14, beginning at noon at the Lincoln Lab Fitness Center, there will be an approximate one- hour base bike tour for MIT and base employees."

Officials from both the base and lab recognize that bicycle riding to work or for recreation not only offers many health benefits, but also environmental benefits.

"Bicycle riding is one of the best ways to enjoy commuting or exercise," said Spelfogel. "Bicycles don't pollute, are inexpensive to operate and are fun to use."

Hanscom bicycle riders are encouraged to commute to work on their bike for Bike to Work Day, May 16.

The Bay State Bike Week event is open to everyone who bicycles during the week, not just those who bike commute on May 10-18.

As a reminder, according to the Safety Office, bicyclists must wear a properly fitted helmet with a secure head strap fastened while performing these activities on base.
For more information on bike week events offered throughout the state, visit www.BayStateBikeWeek.org.