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MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and other dignitaries from the city of Milwaukee kicked off Bike to Work Week Monday afternoon, May 14th. They rode their bicycles to the grand opening of the new Milwaukee office for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Among the other officials taking part were Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Michael Murphy.
Riders gathered at Milwaukee City Hall on Market Street, between Wells and Kilbourn Avenue at 4 p.m. They rode together along the Hank Aaron Trail to the new office located in the Pedal Milwaukee Building at 3618 West Pierce Street. Part of the route took the bicyclists over the new bike lanes on South 2nd St.
Officials encourage workers to join Milwaukee's Bike to Work Week effort, and ditch their cars for bicycles this week. "It is doable. I mean, there are so many ways you can go about it. I have bike shorts on under my dress. You can get a rack, get a couple of bags, put clothes on your bike, bring a spare pair of shoes, whatever you need to do," Leah Delaney with South Shore Cyclery said.
One bike enthusiast hopes to see more bicyclists year round. "When you`re outside, you don`t sit in your car and warm up. You`re on your bike and you`re outside. It`s part of my health care plan," Johannes Britz said.
There was no snow or cold to worry about during Monday's kick off - just sunshine and warm temperatures.
Milwaukee County Transit System buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing people to ride a little and bike a little this week.
Drivers are reminded the law requires that bicyclists are given a three-foot passing area.