Press Releases

SALINAS, Calif. - May 4, 2010 - The Transportation Agency for Monterey County will hold its 16th Annual Bike Week celebration from May 10-16th. To kick off Bike Week, Monterey County businesses are encouraged to compete to have the highest percent of employees bicycling to work throughout May. Bike Week is a weeklong series of events that promotes bicycling as a healthy alternative that reduces traffic and air pollution. Events are scheduled throughout the county including bicycle rides, bike to city council events, a bike versus car challenge, and Bike to School and Bike to Work Day offering free breakfasts at sites throughout Monterey County. The public is encouraged to participate in the following activities, which are all part of the annual Bike Week celebration:

Through May 16th
Bicycle Safety Checks Discounted bicycle safety checks available at local bike shops. Visit www.bike2work.com for locations.

May 3-May 28th
Team Bike Challenge Monterey County businesses are encouraged to compete to have the highest percentage of employees bicycling to work throughout May. Register your company's team online at www.bike2work.com by clicking on the Team Bike Challenge or by contacting Kaki Chen at kaki@tamcmonterey.org or at (831) 775-0903.

Wednesday, May 5th
Pacific Grove Bike to City Council Meeting Ride
5:30pm
667 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Contact: Council member Deborah Lindsay, (831) 648-3100

Tuesday, May 11th
Bike vs. Car Challenge
7:45am
This is a race between bicyclists and motorists to see who arrives at Star Center in Salinas the fastest. The starting point is at Northwest Corner of Natividad/Alvin Intersection. Meet the riders at Star Market finish line for a welcoming reception. Riders will need to receive pre-approval by Kaki Chen at (831) 775-4413.

Salinas Bike to City Council Meeting Ride
3:00pm
Assembly of the riders will begin at 3:00pm, bike ride begins at 3:30pm. Ride with elected officials and city staff from Steinbeck Library to City Council Chambers. For detailed event information, please Contact Kaki Chen at (831) 775-4413.

Wednesday, May 12th
Twilight Ride at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
5:30-7:30pm
The Twilight Rides are informal and will begin in the paddock area located in the interior of the circuit. The 2.238-mile track will be open to all levels of cyclists, including children. The cost is $10 per rider and a portion of the proceeds is donated to charity. Rabobank will be providing a snack dinner to bicyclists.

Thursday, May 13th
Bike to Work Breakfast Sites
7:00 - 9:00am
Receive a free breakfast when riding your bike to one of the following sites:

Recreational Equipment, Inc, 8th Street and Beach Range Road, Marina
Joselyn's Bicycles, 398 E. Franklin Street, Monterey
Light and Motion, 300 Cannery Row, on the Coastal Trail, Monterey
The Haute Enchilada Café & Gallery, 7902-A Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing
CycleAware, 2000 Sunset Dr., a quarter mile before Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
HSBC, 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, 450 East Romie Lane, Salinas
Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside

Bike to School Breakfast Sites
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Free breakfast will be provided to students who ride their bike to the following elementary schools:

Aromas Elementary School, Aromas
La Mesa Elementary School, Monterey
Monterey Bay Charter School, Pacific Grove
Kammann Elementary School, Salinas
McKinnon Elementary School, Salinas
Frank Paul Elementary School, Salinas
Mission Park Elementary School, Salinas
New Republic Elementary School, Salinas
Bardin Elementary School, Salinas
Oasis Charter Elementary School, Salinas
Frank Ledesma Elementary School, Soledad

Sunday, May 16th
Sunday morning ride with the Velo Club of Monterey
8:00am
Portola Plaza, Monterey

MEDIA INQUIRIES:Shelley Gesicki, Armanasco Public Relations, Inc.
Tel: 831.372.2259
Email: sgesicki@armanasco.com

### About the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC)
The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is responsible for investing in regional transportation projects for Monterey County residents, businesses and visitors. The mission of TAMC is to develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, access, environment quality and economic activities in Monterey County. For more information visit www.tamcmonterey.orgor call 831.775.0903.