Employees and students burn rubber and calories during bike to work month
In May, 27 Seattle Central faculty and staff membersracked up more than 2,400 miles over 432 trips and burned more than 120,000 calories as part of Bike-to-Work month, sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club. This annual event encourages commuters to save money, save the planet and get a workout by ditching their cars for bicycles.
For many employees, the month-long challenge motivates them to commute by bicycle during the rest of the summer. It has changed how Computer Science instructor Andy McCone commutes for good. Last year, he joined the challenge with fellow Science and Math faculty and staff and has been bike commuting ever since, including in Seattle’s dreary winter months.
“It appeals to the productive part of me because I can get to work, get my exercise and also help save the world,” said Andy, who now rides 16 miles roundtrip during the three days per week that he teaches on campus. “When I get to work in the morning, there’s this invigoration I feel after biking. It helps me with the momentum I need to get to class and be engaged with students.”