A spring tradition in the DMV for nearly 25 years, this May’s Bike to Work Day event ushered in pleasant weather and more than 12,000 commuters biking to their companies, organizations, and federal agencies. On May 15th, bicyclists were greeted at 108 local “pit stop” events situated along their commute routes where they enjoyed free T-shirts, refreshments, and swag at all corners of the Washington, DC region. Most of the events were held during the morning commute, while a few were for the commute homeward.
When employees bike to work, employers experience a wide range of direct and indirect benefits. The most obvious gain for employers is a healthier workforce. When practiced regularly cycling boosts cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and lowers risk of chronic diseases. These positive fitness attributes translate to fewer sick days and costs associated with absenteeism. Physical activity such as bicycling can also improve mood and mental clarity, with employees arriving more alert and better focused for job performance.
The metropolitan region boosts some of the most informed and involved people in the country when it comes to environmentally sustainable practices. By supporting and encouraging employees to bike to work, employers demonstrate awareness of and engagement toward these shared core values.
Fostering a bike-friendly workplace develops active commuting, a positive company culture, and contributes to a healthier, and more environmentally focused workplace culture.
Installing bike racks for employees is a great way to make biking to the workplace a more attractive option. For employees without a bicycle, low-cost annual memberships to Capital Bikeshare are a benefit to consider offering. These and other types of support for bicycling to work are also advantageous toward enticing potential employee talent.
This year’s Bike to Work Day event was the first time that 28 percent of participants ever commuted by bicycle, and many of these newcomers were so inspired by the experience that they’ve begun biking to work more regularly.
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections program and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) co-organize Bike to Work Day in the region each year.
Interested in offering Capital Bikeshare Corporate benefits at your workplace, but not sure if it’s the right fit? The Try CaBi program allows you to offer a FREE CaBi membership at your office for 30 days to gauge whether the benefit would be highly utilized among your employees.
To download the Commuter Connections Bicycling to Work in the Washi
gton Area guide or to order free copies, visit commuterconnections.org/employers/brochure-requests. To find out more about Bike to Work Day 2026, including how to become a regional sponsor, please visit biketoworkmetrodc.org. To inquire about hosting an official pit stop at your workplace for Bike to Work Day 2026, please contact Commuter Connections by October 2025 at [email protected] or call 800 745-7433.
