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Shelley Osterloh reportingBiking to work seems to be catching on among many commuters. And, in light of the mess on the freeway this morning, you might want to take another look at your bicycle.
About 20 businesses are participating in a pedal pass program. If you show up riding a bicycle with the pass, you will get a discount for food, products, or services. The pass is put out by Salt Lake City -- it's the idea of a Bicycle advisory committee. They are encouraging folks bike more often, especially to and from Work. It's an idea that seems to be catching on.
Hundreds of bikers teamed up for a ride as part of the Mayor's Bike to Work Day. The annual event is designed to encourage more people to commute by bike. Each year one commuter of the year is named, and the Mayor says there were lots of nominations.
Mayor Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City: "PEOPLE WHO ARE SUCH DEDICATED BICYCLISTS AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF BICYCLING --BOTH FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL HEALTH, CLEANING THE ENVIRONMENT, REDUCING TRAFFIC CONGESTION GETTING AWAY FROM DEPENDENCE ON THE AUTOMOBILE... ITS GOOD FOR ALL OF US"
The Bike Commuter Award of the year went to a 5th grade teacher at Edison Elementary who rides to work nearly every day.
John Robertson Bike Commuter of the Year: "I LIKE TO RIDE MY BICYCLE... ITS A WONDERFULLY PLEASURABLE WAY TO GO, I REALLY ENJOY IT VERY MUCH. "
Salt Lake City continues to improve and add new bike lanes for riders. And people like Clark Burbidge ride every day, even in bad weather.
Burbidge says he started riding a bike to school ten years ago, and just continued the habit when he got a job in downtown Salt Lake. He says riding a bike saves money.
Clark Burbidge, Bike Commuter: " I DON'T HAVE TO PAY 50-BUCKS A MONTH TO PARK. AND ITS A GREAT WAY TO GET EXERCISE AND IT'S FUN TO BE OUTSIDE "
Burbidge warns riders to be careful and watch out for cars that may not see them. But he thinks many more people might discover the pleasures of riding, if they would give it a try.
Clark Burbidge, Bike Commuter: "CERTAINLY IF BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO RIDE THEIR BIKES... THEY'D SAVE ON AIR POLLUTION, THEY'D SAVE ON PARKING COSTS IT'S A BETTER SITUATION FOR EVERYBODY IF MORE PEOPLE BIKE. "
Business and government joined forces to create this pedal pass.
