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Bike to Work Week

175 views · Published 17 May 2013 · 2:17 · Indexed 27 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

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by: Beth NeuhoffThe
 third Friday in May is a national call to ditch four wheels...for two. 
 Outdoor Chattanooga is encouraging commuters to just get on a bike and 
ride.  Ruth Thompson of Outdoor Chattanooga says that even though 
Tennessee is in the Top 50 bike friendly states, the real big news is 
that Tennessee has moved up to number 16 in the bicycle friendly state 
rankings. We were in the 30's only 2 yrs ago. The Walnut Street 
bridge was one of five energizer stations serving up free coffee - 
encouragement and food to riders this morning.  You don't have to bike 
ten miles into town. Trying driving halfway then...park and ride. Bike 
Chattanooga has 31 bike stations around town. Every Friday is 
bike to work day on the pedestrian bridge where cyclists gather for 
breakfast and coffee. Started by Quint Mansell, it's now growing as an 
informal stop over. Mansell rides his own bike but thinks there is 
something for everyone, The bike share is now a very good way that 
somebody can drive part of the way then bike in. Even if it's only a few
 blocks it's really good and you feel better if you get on a bike and 
ride even a little bit.  But there is still some concern about drivers 
reluctant to share the road.  Mansell says, You'll see these things 
called 'sharrows' on the road. Anything that shows a bicycle alerts 
motorists that we're supposed to be there and we have a place on the 
road.Jenny Park rides her bike to work three to four days a 
week from her Saint Elmo home. She has taken bicycle safety classes and 
says, I have figured out what route works best for me and feel pretty 
comfortable on the road and I like it I get exercise and it helps 
relieve my stress before I start the day. Jenny also takes the bus 
where she can store her bike on the front and ride when she reaches her 
destination.  Biking is a family business for the Shipps and 
they bring one year-old Annie along.  Justin says there was a learning 
curve but she's use to it now and loves to ride.  Justin is a custom 
bicycle designer on the North Shore. He says, Our city is set up 
perfectly for cycling and I think it getting more bike friendly all the 
time and events like National Bike to Work Day are making a huge 
difference.National Bike to Work doesn't end after today. The 
call to cycle continues with National Bike to Work month through the end
 of May.For more information on outdoor cycling:www.outdoorchattanooga.comwww.bikechattanooga.com

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