Cyclists hit the streets for Bike to Wherever Day

Richmond residents swapped car keys for helmets Thursday as the Bay Area marked its 32nd annual Bike to Wherever Day, the region's largest cycling celebration.

Demand ran high at the energizer station at Richmond BART, which ran out of the event's signature tote bags. While over at Unity Park, volunteers say they counted more than 60 cyclists by 8 a.m.

Najari Smith, founder and executive director of Rich City Rides, was on hand at Unity Park and called the day a chance to rethink how people get around.

"Bike to Wherever Day is an awesome day where we encourage people to choose cycling as a green, active mode of transportation, a day where you can leave your car at home and embrace getting there the bike way," Smith said.

The event is presented regionally by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, with local coordination handled by Bike East Bay. Thursday was the only day riders across the East Bay could visit Energizer Stations to collect free tote bags, with over 120 stations drawing more than 12,100 participants last year.

Organizers say more than a million Bay Area residents live within five miles of their workplace, making cycling a practical option for many. Participants who pledge to ride are entered to win prize bundles and receive maps of Energizer Station locations.

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