By Tara Nelson

The 12th annual Bike To Work And School Day in Whatcom County is scheduled for Friday, May 15.

Dan Persse, elementary physical education instructor for Blaine elementary school, said Blaine teachers will host a celebration station from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the corner of H and Mitchell streets. Coffee and treats will be donated by Blackberry House Cafe and bicycle accessories will be provided by the Whatcom Council of Governments.

“We’re trying to encourage people to bike to work and school safely for the benefits of being physically active and going green,” Persse said.

Persse also emphasized the need for bicyclists to follow the same rules of the road as motorists do. “For general bike safety, we encourage people to walk against traffic and ride with traffic,” Persse said. “Bicyclists are also not allowed to ride on the crosswalks and because they are considered vehicles, they need to follow the same rules of the road as motorists do. And wear a helmet! Ninety percent of all bicycle injuries are related to not wearing a helmet.”

For more information, contact 360/671-BIKE or email info@everybodyBIKE.com.