Springfield: Bike, Bus and Walk Week, May 15-19

Ozark Greenways has announced the activities for Springfield's Bike, Bus, and Walk Week, May 15-19, 2006:

Don't miss this chance to leave your car behind for a day or a week or even longer! Ozark Greenways hosts this annual alternative transportation challenge in order to get more people to try biking, bussing, walking or any combination to get to work or school. We partner with City Utilities, Ozarks Regional YMCAs, Panera Bread Company, Springbike and Hearts in Parks.

Bike-to-Work Day will be Friday, May 19, so if you can only make it out one day - shoot for that day. We'll also have a Commuter Race and a free breakfast at any Springfield Panera Bread Co. for the first 200 people to register. We'll also have cool raffle prizes and trophies for the most participation!

Register your workplace or yourself! Bike, bus or walk three or more days that week and win a free one-year membership to Ozark Greenways, a $25 value, as well as other prizes.

Don't have a bike? Galloway Creek Outfitters and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department's Bike for Life Program can help you out! There will be 20 bikes available for free use that entire week with reservation as well as single free passes on first-come basis. Contact Galloway Creek Outfitters to reserve a bike at 887-1005.

City Utilities will give free rides to those traveling with a bike that week. The Ozarks Regional YMCAs and Cox Fitness Centers/Meyer Center will open their shower and towel facilities for free that week for those commuting alternatively as well.

Use these tools to plan your route in any combination:

Bus Routes: www.cityutilities.net/transit/transit.htm
On-street Bike routes:
www.ci.springfield.mo.us/transportation/bike_routes.html
Greenway trail system: Trails

To register, contact Lori Tack at lori@ozarkgreenways.org or 864-2015.

For more details visit the Ozark Greenways website.

Statewide events during Bike Month 2006 are listed on MoBikeFed's online calendar.

The League of American Bicyclists maintains a list of Bike Month and Bike-To-Work-Week events in Missouri.