The Port of Vancouver USA celebrated National Bike Month this May with Left Coast Bicycles by having an on-site tune-up station for employees. Staff brought their bicycles to the parking lot at the port’s administrative offices to have chains cleaned, tires filled and brakes adjusted.

“It was so convenient – I had the tune-up and got to take my bike out the next weekend,” said Director of Environmental Services Patty Boyden.

Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month was established in 1956 and is celebrated across the country.

Bike Month ties into the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program. The CTR law was passed 1991 as part of the Washington Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution, petroleum consumption and motor vehicle congestion. In 2006, the CTR Efficiency Act was passed and now the CTR Program has rules to direct state, regional and local planning processes to help further the goals of the Clean Air Act.

Now in its fourth year, the port’s CTR Program reaches out and informs employees about alternative commute methods, including bicycling, carpooling and public transportation. In addition to the environmental benefits, the health benefits of bicycling to work are a major plus. Getting your workout in with some fresh air and hopefully a bit a sunshine can brighten your day and get you off to a great start!

Anyone can get involved with CTR: Visit www.clarkcommute.org/employer-program for more information and consider becoming the Employee Transportation Coordinator for your company.

It doesn’t have to be the month May to ride your bike! Summer weather is approaching and the Port of Vancouver is proud to have employees who participate in CTR and National Bike Month, taking the time and effort to better the environment and themselves.