Bike to Work Day (BTWD) has been a tradition in Alameda for more than 15 years. In the early years, the City of Alameda organized BTWD and put the lone Energizer Station at the corner of Central Avenue and Oak Street in front of the science wing of Alameda High School. Later, it was moved in front of City Hall. Today, thanks to the efforts of Bike Walk Alameda, the City of Alameda, and the hundreds of volunteers who have worked over the years, Bike To Work Day is a major event in the city. With five Energizer check in stations located throughout the city, almost 1,000 cyclists took to the lanes and rode to work, meetings, school, and daily errands in 2013.

For those residents who have decided that BTWD is the time to make that first ride, Bike Walk Alameda and South Shore Shopping Center have teamed up for GEAR UP. You can head to Neptune Court on Saturday, May 3 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and have your bike checked by one of the pro mechanics from Alameda Bicycle at no charge. There is nothing like a freshly greased chain and perfectly adjusted derailleur to make those critical shifts. What did you say? No bicycle? No problem! Alameda has a number of great bike shops to guide you to the right bicycle purchase for your type of riding. Whether you are a first time rider or experienced cyclist, it is essential that your experience on the street is safe. Residents ages 14 and up can take a free Urban Cycling 101 at GEAR UP starting at 1 p.m. sponsored by Bike Walk Alameda. You may preregister to guarantee a seat by going to www. bikewalkalameda.org.

So, you’re “geared up,” it’s Thursday, May 8, and you are ready to bike to any one of five Energizer Stations (Harbor Bay Ferry, Bay Farm Island Bridge, Peet’s Coffee on Park Street, College of Alameda, or the Main Street Ferry) between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m., to sign in, pick up a great bike bag with goodies, and share a complementary cup of coffee, pastry from Wescafe and Peet’s, baked goods from Semifreddi’s, breakfast bars from Trader Joe’s, and fresh fruit from Dan’s Produce and the Alameda Natural Grocery with your fellow cyclists. Sorry, no snacks at the ferry locations. However, cyclists can ride both ferries for free on BTWD. For those looking to keep the party going, join Bike Walk Alameda at Speisekammer Restaurant (2424 Lincoln Ave., Alameda. 522-1300) on the patio from 4 to 7 p.m. for no-host food and beverage specials.

Even after BTWD ends, there are several opportunities to practice your skills, like biking to the Alameda Theater on Sunday, May 11 to catch any movie that starts between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Thanks to our good friends at the theater, cyclists can see a movie for $6 (excludes 3D) and get a nice deal on popcorn and a drink. Look for the Bike Walk Alameda table near the box office. If urban farming is more your style, then the Alameda Chicken Coop Tour is on Sunday, May 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. Cycle by and check the Alameda urban farming movement first hand. Get details by going to www.bikewalkalameda.org. 

Wow! There are lots of opportunities to be part of BTWD. Read through this guide for more details and help Bike Walk Alameda make this year’s BTWD even more successful than the record-breaking 1,000-plus riders. BTWD is a collaborative effort of so many people, businesses, and organizations. Thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors, and you for participating!  Without all of us working together, BTWD would not be the event it is.

See you on the lane!