Drivers Exchange Keys For Pedals For Bike To Work Day

DENVER (CBS4)- Drivers around the Denver metro area exchanged their keys for pedals during this year's Bike to Work Day.

June is Colorado Bike Month and commuters are encouraged to pedal their way to work instead of getting behind the wheel.

"This is the time of year when organizations, employees and community volunteers pledge to make a difference in our local air quality by leaving their cars at home and cycling to work," said 36 Commuting Solutions Executive Director Audrey DeBarros.

Last year Bike to Work Day boasted more than 27,000 cyclists in Denver and along the US 36 corridor. They rode approximately 529,800 miles, saved 24,700 gallons of gas and prevented 486,200 pounds of CO2 from being emitted into our air.

Gov. John Hickenlooper said 18,000 people ride their bikes to work on a daily basis across Colorado.

Biking to work is gaining traction in Colorado where companies and organizations set a new record by hosting 25 more Bike to Work Day stations over last year. That's a total of 195 stations along U.S. 36 and throughout the Denver metro area.

Most serve free breakfast from 6:30-8:30 a.m., and some will also provide after work treats.

Denver Public Works hosted the region's largest Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station at Civic Center Park from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

On the way home from Bike to Work Day the annual Bike from Work Bash will kick off at 5 p.m. at Cactus Parking Lot at the corner of 15th and Little Raven Street. The bash will benefit Wish for Wheels.