Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004; Karyn LeBlanc (202) 671-3490

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today joins residents from across the District and the region in getting ready for Bike to Work Day 2006, sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). DDOT Acting Director Michelle Pourciau will lead a team of DDOT employees, who will all ride their bicycles to work.

"This is a great chance for residents across the city, including DDOT employees, to get on their bikes and head off to work," said Pourciau. "With gas prices sky high, there's never been a better time to rally in support of alternative ways to get to work. I hope residents from across the city join me in biking to work on Friday."

DDOT has been working hard to make the District increasingly bicycle friendly. Since 2001, the department has striped 17 miles of bicycle lanes, installed 400 bike racks, and started work on several major trails - including the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. DDOT also funds an annual safety campaign and bicycle education for children. The District is recognized as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists.

The celebration for Bike to Work Day will be held Friday May 19 at 8 am at Freedom Plaza, located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets, NW. To sign up for Bike to Work Day, and get a free t-shirt at Freedom Plaza, see the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's website. Registration is free. By registering, you also get a chance to win a bike and other prizes. The website also contains information about the various convoys heading to Freedom Plaza from neighborhoods in the District and throughout the region.

Find out more about the DDOT bicycle program.