What makes bicycling a good alternate mode of transportation? What activities are being organized to promote bicycling and what techniques are the most effective? Patrick McCormick, Communications Director for the League of American Bicyclists, plays a key role in promoting bike riding, so we asked him some questions about his work and the benefits of bicycling for clean air and reduced traffic congestion.

Q: What is the League of American Bicyclists doing to promote bicycling?

A: The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle friendly America. We conduct numerous media campaigns, publish a magazine and electronic newsletter, and manage three Web sites that highlight our key programs: www.bikeleague.org, www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org, and www.bikemonth.com.

We partner with Shimano, Inc. to promote commuting to work by bike via www.bike-to-work.com as well as to generate a range of promotional activities. We also partner with organizations such as the Bikes Belong Coalition, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, as well as leading companies like Clear Channel Communications, Trek Bicycles, and Shimano to encourage people of all ages to ride bicycles safely and more often.

To promote Bike-to-Work 2004, we released several radio ads and two television ads—“Benefits of Bicycling/Lance Armstrong” and “Where Are My Keys?”—which the Ad Council endorsed. Please visit http://www.bikemonth.org/ to view the PSAs and plan to participate in Bike-to-Work 2005! Bike-to-Work Week will be May 16th – 20th with Bike-to-Work Day that Friday, the 20th.

Q: Why do you recommend bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation?

A: Bicycling can get you where you need to go, without emitting harmful pollutants or clogging up the roadways. Plus you get exercise!

Bicycling also is a great way to lose weight and have fun at the same time. Cycling is a safe, low-impact, aerobic activity for Americans of all ages. Again, our analysis shows that a 150-pound cyclist pedaling 12 miles in an hour burns 410 calories—almost equal to a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder®. A 200-pound cyclist going 12 miles per hour burns 546 calories—almost equal to a Big Mac®.

Q: What challenges have you faced in promoting bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation? How have you overcome them?

A: The biggest challenge we continue to face is getting the public and the media interested in bicycling as a transportation option, not just as a fun or fitness-related activity. We have been successful when we highlight transportation concerns in our press releases and newsletters. We also have found it is important to communicate with key audiences as often as possible.

Q: What suggestions do you have for organizations that would like to do more to promote bicycling in their communities?

A: I would recommend that communities look beyond the typical bicyclist when identifying their audience, and promote bike riding as a family activity and practical transportation option. Your messages should be understandable and relevant to the general public, not just bicycling enthusiasts. I encourage you to look into becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community by visiting www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.

For more information on bicycling, visit the League of American Bicyclists’ Web site at www.bikeleague.org.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit the Federal Highway Administration’s Web page at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/fourthlevel/newprod.htm.