Bicycle Commuter Vouchers and Bike Month

Residents encouraged to bike to work in May
By Lynn A. Gladieux; News Writer

Encouraging residents of Berks County to ditch their four wheels for two, the Berks County Commissioners officially proclaimed May 2009 as Bike Month in Berks County.Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt, on behalf of fellow commissioners Mark C. Scott and Christian Y. Leinbach, presented Berks County Court Judge Timothy J. Rowley with the official bike month proclamation. Rowley is a member of WalkBikeBerks, a non-profit organization established to encourage walking and bike riding in Berks County.
Stressing the impact on the environment as well as fuel savings, Rowley talked about his own personal mission to bike to work.
"I found this was no-brainer," Rowley told the commissioners. "I myself started riding my bike to the courthouse, as do three other judges, when the weather permits."
Proclaiming May 15 as "Bike to Work Day," all Berks County employees will be encouraged to ride their bikes to work on that day. Berks County is one of the area's largest employers and Rowley is looking to these public-sector employees to take the initiative on what he feels is a safe and worthwhile endeavor.

"The organization's mission is to promote bike riding in both the private as well as public sector and to raise awareness about safely walking and biking in Berks County," Rowley said.

Michele Barrett, president of the organization, also provided the commissioners with information about the Bicycle Commuter Act, which was recently signed into law. The act provides commuters with up to $20 per month reimbursement from their employers for expenses related to a bicycle commute. Employers must be enrolled in the program in order to provide employees with reimbursement.

For further information about the Bicycle Commuter Act, Berks County Bike Month or WalkBikeBerks, go to www.walkbikeberks.blogspot.com.

~From the News Of Southern Berks