“The event really ties to our mission of protecting the environment.Even though it’s only for a week, it brings that awareness.”- Carijean Buhk

Gas prices continue to drain our wallets and are slated to rise within the upcoming summer months, making the daily commute to work even more dreadful.

Luckily, Milwaukeeans have the opportunity to bike as means of alternative transportation. The Bike to Work Week celebrations begin on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 11 with an afternoon bike ride. Come and celebrate this annual week-long event and practice green living all while getting a little exercise at the same time. The Mother’s Day Bike Ride is sponsored by WE Energies and starts at 2 p.m. at Alterra on the lake.

For one week, citizens across the country are encouraged to take a break from polluting the air and make the environment-friendly choice by biking to work instead of driving. Many Milwaukee businesses and organizations are doing their part by sponsoring several related events throughout the week.

Monday, May 12, is the first official business day of the 2008 Bike to Work Week. Get the week started by riding to work with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett at 8:30 a.m. at 51st and Washington Blvd.

On Tuesday May 13, Northwestern Mutual is sponsoring a Bike Trivia Night from 6-10 p.m. for $5 a person at Stonefly Brewing located at 735 E. Center St. Prizes. Drink specials will be available for the event.

Join other bike riders for a ride to Miller Park and tailgate on Wednesday May 11 for Bike to Brewers. Watch the Brew Crew take on Los Angeles. Participants are asked to meet at 5:30 p.m. at either 6th and Canal St., or at the Outpost on W. State St.

Alterra is offering free coffee and bakery all week to bike riders at several commuter stations throughout the city from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. each morning. Locations include, Alterra Foundry on 170 S. 1st St., Sigma Environmental Group at 1300 W. Canal St. along the Hank Aaron State Trail and at the Urban Ecology Center located at 1500 E. Park Place on the Oak Leaf Trail.

Marketing Communications Coordinator for the Urban Ecology Center (UEC), Carijean Buhk, is confident that this event will bring more knowledge of the dangers fossil fuels to Milwaukee.

“The event really ties to our mission of protecting the environment,” Buhk says. “Even though it’s only for a week, it brings that awareness.”

The UEC participates in a program called Eco Bucks, where their staff members actually get compensated for using human powered transportation or car pooling as means of getting to work. According to Buhk, each time a staff member uses any kind of human powered transportation; they are paid a dollar and 50 cents for carpooling.

Students are encouraged to take part in the worthy green cause and bike to class from their homes all around the outer edges of campus.

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