Tip Tuesday: This Friday is National Bike To Work Day!

Now's your chance...Your chance to jump start your summer workout routine, rework your daily commute and help the environment - all at the same time! At the risk of sounding too cliche, I guess three REALLY is a charm!

Friday, May 21 is National Bike To Work Day. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty pumped about it! I'm sure we could all come up with an excuse not to participate, so I thought I would help counter some of the most common reasons not to.

Excuse 1: I don't even own a bike!

Now is the time to get one! While the upfront costs may seem a little daunting, look around for a good deal. If you're only using a bicycle as a means to commute, a standard bike will work just fine. Plus, once the expense of purchasing the bike is over with, the maintenance costs are minimal, if any. As a motivator, remind yourself how much you pay in gas each month.

For starters, try checking out some bicycle buying advice from ConsumerReports.org

Excuse 2: It's too sweaty.

According to bikerumor.com, a common concern is the need to change in and out of work clothes. But you don’t necessarily need to pull a Clark Kent-like outfit change.

“Unless you’re riding for endurance, you can wear your everyday street clothes for normal commuting,” said Meghan Cahill, a spokeswoman for the League of American Bicyclists, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C.

The sight might jar Americans, but Cahill noted that it’s common to see people riding to work in suits in countries where bicycling is more common.

If you’re not comfortable with that idea, you could always bring a change of clothes or leave a pair of dress shoes at the office. Many offices these days also have gyms where you can shower.

Excuse 3: I live too far from work.

It is reported that half of Americans work commute is under 5 miles. For the other half, try finding a half-way point between work and home where you could park your car and bike the rest of the way to work. Remember, where there's a will, there's a way!

Still need more motivation? Watch Today's Commuter Challenge segment on NBC, "Ditch the Car for a Healthy Commute."

I hope all of our readers will consider changing their commuting habits - if not permanently, at least for the day!

Stay tuned for photos of our own agency participants as they commute to work THIS FRIDAY!

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Until Next Week,

Michelle D.