Latest news with #BiketoWhereverDay
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bay Area Riders Break Records on May 15 Bike to Wherever Day
Tens of Thousands of Cyclists Take to the Streets to Celebrate SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tens of thousands of Bay Area residents took to the streets on Thursday for Bike to Wherever Day, part of the regionwide Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days and the Bay Area Bike Challenge which run throughout the month of May. Riders across all nine counties logged their miles, celebrated with their communities, and promoted cycling as an active, eco-friendly way to get around. Approximately 16,000 riders stopped by 330 Energizer Stations in the morning to grab free coffee, snacks, swag, and the signature bicycle-friendly tote bag featuring the year's Bike to Wherever Day artwork. Energizer Stations, coordinated by partners ranging from corporations and local agencies to neighborhood volunteers, were hosted throughout the Bay Area. "This was a great year for West County. We reached pre-pandemic levels of participation for the first time," said Coire Reilly, program manager at the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission. While most Energizer Stations operated during morning commute hours, many extend into the evening and throughout the weekend with events such as Bike Block Parties and Happy Hours. A full map of Energizer Stations is available at: "We are continually amazed by the level of enthusiasm shown by riders all over the region, said Marcella Aranda, public information officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and project manager for Bike to Wherever Days." That's thanks not only to our passionate riders, but also to the dedication of our county partners who make this event happen." Elected officials and community leaders joined events across the region, with bike rallies and rides to City Hall in cities including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. In Berkeley, Mayor Adena Ishii logged her ride as part of the Bay Area Bike Challenge, adding her name to the Bike Challenge Leaderboard. Participation Highlights In addition to record ridership on May 15, more than 6,500 individuals signed the Pledge to Ride, committing to using a bike throughout May. The pledge reads: "I will bike for my own health, clean air, and in support of safer and more vibrant streets. Whether I'm riding just one day or every day of the month – every trip makes a difference." So far, nearly 900 riders have registered for the Bay Area Bike Challenge, already surpassing last year's final count of 775. As of mid-May, riders have logged more than 70,000 miles across nearly 7,000 trips, with a collective goal of 120,000 miles – four times last year's target. MTC will award 12 prizes at the conclusion of the challenge: Two $500 prizes for the most miles and most trips logged. Two $250 prizes for the most creative routes (by shape and points of interest). Eight raffle prizes ranging from $100 to $200, giving every participant a chance to win. The Bay Area Bike Challenge runs through May 31. Organizers expect the momentum to continue as riders pedal toward both personal and regional goals. For more information and to sign up, visit: Elected Officials and Local Leaders Who Participated State Elected Officials California State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab California State Senator Scott Wiener Regional Agencies Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Director Jean Walsh Bay Area Rapid Transit BART (BART) Director Berali Ghosh Alameda County Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas Alameda Bike Champion of the Year 2025 Rick Rickard Albany Mayor Robin Lopez Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii Berkeley City Manager Paul Buddenhagen Berkeley Councilmember Ben Bartlett Berkeley Councilmember Brent Blackaby Berkeley Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra Berkeley Councilmember Igor Tregub with Chief of Staff Olga Bolotina Berkeley Councilmember Mark Humbert Berkeley Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani Berkeley Councilmember Shoshana O'Keefe with staff member Tawab Malekzad Berkeley Councilmember Terry Taplin Oakland Councilmember Carroll Fife Oakland Councilmember Charlene Wang Oakland Councilmember Janani Ramachandran Oakland Councilmember Kevin Jenkins Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo Oakland Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan (Interim, D2) Oakland Councilmember Zac Unger Oakland Department of Transportation Director Josh Rowan Napa County Napa City Mayor Scott Sedgley Napa County Supervisor Amber Manfree Napa Fire Chief Zach Curren Napa County Judge Scott Young Napa Planning Commissioner Kara Brunzell Napa Valley Transportation Authority Executive Director Kate Miller Napa Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission Chair Dan Wilkowsky Former Napa County Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht San Francisco County San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar San Francisco Supervisor Stephen Sherill San Francisco County Transportation Authority Director Tilly Chang San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Julie Kirschbaum San Mateo County San Bruno Mayor Marty Medina South San Francisco Mayor Eddie Flores Santa Clara County Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein Solano County Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura Suisun City Mayor Hernandez Sonoma County Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell Sebastopol City Councilmember Phill Carter Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey Former Sebastopol Mayor Sarah Gurney San Mateo/Santa Clara Gilroy City Councilmember Kelly Ramirez Gilroy City Councilmember Terence Fugazzi Menlo Park Police Chief David Norris Menlo Park Police Commander Lau About the Event Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days is presented by MTC (the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region's traveler information system), and Amazon, with support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and ART, along with numerous local sponsors. Prizes for the Bike Champion of the Year winners were donated by MTC, Lyft Bay Wheels, Sports Basement, and Mike's Bikes. Local event coordination is led by: Bike East Bay 511 Contra Costa Marin County Bicycle Coalition Napa County Bicycle Coalition San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Solano Mobility Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bay Area Riders Break Records on May 15 Bike to Wherever Day
Tens of Thousands of Cyclists Take to the Streets to Celebrate SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tens of thousands of Bay Area residents took to the streets on Thursday for Bike to Wherever Day, part of the regionwide Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days and the Bay Area Bike Challenge which run throughout the month of May. Riders across all nine counties logged their miles, celebrated with their communities, and promoted cycling as an active, eco-friendly way to get around. Approximately 16,000 riders stopped by 330 Energizer Stations in the morning to grab free coffee, snacks, swag, and the signature bicycle-friendly tote bag featuring the year's Bike to Wherever Day artwork. Energizer Stations, coordinated by partners ranging from corporations and local agencies to neighborhood volunteers, were hosted throughout the Bay Area. "This was a great year for West County. We reached pre-pandemic levels of participation for the first time," said Coire Reilly, program manager at the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission. While most Energizer Stations operated during morning commute hours, many extend into the evening and throughout the weekend with events such as Bike Block Parties and Happy Hours. A full map of Energizer Stations is available at: "We are continually amazed by the level of enthusiasm shown by riders all over the region, said Marcella Aranda, public information officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and project manager for Bike to Wherever Days." That's thanks not only to our passionate riders, but also to the dedication of our county partners who make this event happen." Elected officials and community leaders joined events across the region, with bike rallies and rides to City Hall in cities including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. In Berkeley, Mayor Adena Ishii logged her ride as part of the Bay Area Bike Challenge, adding her name to the Bike Challenge Leaderboard. Participation Highlights In addition to record ridership on May 15, more than 6,500 individuals signed the Pledge to Ride, committing to using a bike throughout May. The pledge reads: "I will bike for my own health, clean air, and in support of safer and more vibrant streets. Whether I'm riding just one day or every day of the month – every trip makes a difference." So far, nearly 900 riders have registered for the Bay Area Bike Challenge, already surpassing last year's final count of 775. As of mid-May, riders have logged more than 70,000 miles across nearly 7,000 trips, with a collective goal of 120,000 miles – four times last year's target. MTC will award 12 prizes at the conclusion of the challenge: Two $500 prizes for the most miles and most trips logged. Two $250 prizes for the most creative routes (by shape and points of interest). Eight raffle prizes ranging from $100 to $200, giving every participant a chance to win. The Bay Area Bike Challenge runs through May 31. Organizers expect the momentum to continue as riders pedal toward both personal and regional goals. For more information and to sign up, visit: Elected Officials and Local Leaders Who Participated State Elected Officials California State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab California State Senator Scott Wiener Regional Agencies Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Director Jean Walsh Bay Area Rapid Transit BART (BART) Director Berali Ghosh Alameda County Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas Alameda Bike Champion of the Year 2025 Rick Rickard Albany Mayor Robin Lopez Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii Berkeley City Manager Paul Buddenhagen Berkeley Councilmember Ben Bartlett Berkeley Councilmember Brent Blackaby Berkeley Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra Berkeley Councilmember Igor Tregub with Chief of Staff Olga Bolotina Berkeley Councilmember Mark Humbert Berkeley Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani Berkeley Councilmember Shoshana O'Keefe with staff member Tawab Malekzad Berkeley Councilmember Terry Taplin Oakland Councilmember Carroll Fife Oakland Councilmember Charlene Wang Oakland Councilmember Janani Ramachandran Oakland Councilmember Kevin Jenkins Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo Oakland Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan (Interim, D2) Oakland Councilmember Zac Unger Oakland Department of Transportation Director Josh Rowan Napa County Napa City Mayor Scott Sedgley Napa County Supervisor Amber Manfree Napa Fire Chief Zach Curren Napa County Judge Scott Young Napa Planning Commissioner Kara Brunzell Napa Valley Transportation Authority Executive Director Kate Miller Napa Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission Chair Dan Wilkowsky Former Napa County Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht San Francisco County San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar San Francisco Supervisor Stephen Sherill San Francisco County Transportation Authority Director Tilly Chang San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Julie Kirschbaum San Mateo County San Bruno Mayor Marty Medina South San Francisco Mayor Eddie Flores Santa Clara County Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein Solano County Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura Suisun City Mayor Hernandez Sonoma County Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell Sebastopol City Councilmember Phill Carter Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey Former Sebastopol Mayor Sarah Gurney San Mateo/Santa Clara Gilroy City Councilmember Kelly Ramirez Gilroy City Councilmember Terence Fugazzi Menlo Park Police Chief David Norris Menlo Park Police Commander Lau About the Event Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days is presented by MTC (the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region's traveler information system), and Amazon, with support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and ART, along with numerous local sponsors. Prizes for the Bike Champion of the Year winners were donated by MTC, Lyft Bay Wheels, Sports Basement, and Mike's Bikes. Local event coordination is led by: Bike East Bay 511 Contra Costa Marin County Bicycle Coalition Napa County Bicycle Coalition San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Solano Mobility Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Celebrating ‘Bike to Wherever Day' on Caltrain
(KRON) — KRON 4 is putting the Focus on Transit during the morning commute this week, with Joey Horta reporting live from Caltrain today. Caltrain, the oldest continually operated rail system west of the Mississippi, is making strides in safety by incorporating AI technology. Cameras installed in Palo Alto and Burlingame can detect obstacles on the tracks, such as cars or pedestrians, aiming to prevent accidents. 'It is a nice way to start the day, essentially, you know, just chill, take a deep breath, think about what I need to get done and hopefully I can plan my day ahead essentially,' said Mark Lee, a passenger on Caltrain. SF Nintendo Store grand opening Thursday Stuart Abbott, another passenger, noted improvements in the service, saying, 'Well, it's quiet. Normally it's gotten so it's on time. And I mean, when they first roll it, when they first change it back to September, they had some trouble with the schedules. But it's gotten very efficient now.' Caltrain has been a staple of Bay Area transportation since 1863, continually evolving to meet modern needs. The recent implementation of AI technology is part of its efforts to enhance safety and efficiency. Before the installation of the new cameras, crews had to remove cars from the tracks approximately every three months. Now, cameras reveal that about three cars per week attempt to beat the train at crossings, highlighting the need for improved safety measures. Caltrain is also transitioning from diesel to electric power, marking a significant shift in its operations. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize the railway and reduce environmental impact. On Thursday, Caltrain is celebrating 'Bike to Wherever Day,' expecting an increase in passengers bringing bikes on board. This initiative encourages sustainable commuting options and aligns with Caltrain's commitment to supporting eco-friendly transportation. All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
