MADISON, Wis. --

SURVEY Are You Going To Ride Your Bike To Work For "Bike To Work Week," May 17-23? Yes, just like I always do. Yes, I am going to try. Only if the weather cooperates. I would, but I don't have a bike. I would, but my commute is too far. I would, but ... but ... it just takes too much effort. No. Results  |  Disclaimer

Pump up your tires and dust off your helmet -- ride your bike to work this week.

Madison is celebrating its 22nd year with an expanded list of events and an all-star lineup of national, state and local leaders supporting bicycle commuting as a healthy, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get to work.

Bike to Work Week's Press Conference May 19 kicks off at 7:45 a.m. with Madison's new mayor, Dave Cieslewicz, followed by U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, State Rep. Spencer Black, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and State Rep. Terese Berceau in front of the State Historical Museum on the Capitol Square.

Bike to Work Week is a project of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. This year continues a film and speaker series that runs evenings May 19-22 at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union, and features a mix of serious and lighthearted looks at transportation in America. Check the Today In the Union signs in the lobby for specific room locations.

As in past years, people who bike in during the week May 17-23 can register on-line, at participating worksites, any Bike to Work Week event, and any of ten public registration sites, to receive a goodie bag and free entry to a blow-out bash at Vilas Park on May 23.

There'll be plenty of the signature Bike to Work Week events: bikers open the week-long celebration May 17 with an "art bike parade" around the Capitol Square astride their artistically decorated bikes; the Press Conference on Monday, May 19; and on Tuesday, May 20, bikers, bus riders and drivers race to see who can get to the Capitol first in a commuter race that begins at 7:30 a.m. from Olbrich Gardens on Atwood Avenue. Last year, about 1,900 riders took the time to register for Bike to Work Week.

Full Listing Of Events:

5/17 - Saturday

Art Bike Parade, leaves at 10 a.m. from the State Street corner on Capitol Square, with dozens of bikers astride the "glitter" bike, the "Chia pet" bike, the "shower" bike and other artfully decorated two-wheelers. Judging begins at 9:30 a.m.

5/19 - Monday

Press Conference, 7:45 a.m. in front of the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum, 30 N. Carroll St., on Capitol Square starting with Madison's new mayor, Dave Cieslewicz, followed by U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, State Representative Spencer Black, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and State Representative Terese Berceau.

Film/lecture series, 7 p.m., Memorial Union, three short bicycle films screened: "Autoschrek," "Critical Mass Documentary: July 25, The Secret is Out!" and "Revolt of the Christmas Trees." (Check Today In The Union).

5/20 - Tuesday

Commuter Race 8 a.m., leaves Olbrich Gardens on Atwood Avenue, with Madison alder Judy Olson, Dane County Supervisor John Hendrickson, and Dane county Treasurer Dave Gawenda, and others competing on buses, bicycles, and cars to see who can get to the Capitol first.

Film/lecture series: 7 p.m., Memorial Union, Fun film night! Beijing Bicycle, a remake of "The Bicycle Thief " (Check Today In The Union).

5/21 - Wednesday

Ride with the Reps. Legislators will see first-hand facilities and designs to make their communities bike friendly.

Film/lecture series, 7 p.m., Memorial Union, John Delamater, UW Sociology Professor and Madison streetcar proponent, will speak; then David Trowbridge of Transport 2020 presents slides on possible future alternative transportation options for Madison. (Check TITU)

5/22 - Thursday

Bike to School

Film/lecture series, 7 p.m., Hal Cohen of 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin speaks about walkable neighborhoods. Sonya Newenhouse of Madison Environmental Group will talk about car-sharing coming to Madison. (Check Today In The Union).

5/23 - Friday

Final Fiesta 4-7pm at Vilas Park

Join fellow cyclists for a party! Free pizza, beverages, and entertainment by the Shauna Wells Band for all who register for Bike to Work Week.

5/17-5/23

Registration continues all week three convenient ways:

See your work site coordinator at participating employers.
Register on-line at www.bfw.org
Register at any Bike to Work Week event or public registration site:
Williamson Bicycle Works, 3729 E. Washington or 640 W. Washington
Budget Bicycle Centers, 1124 or 1202 Regent St.
Machinery Row Bicycles, 601 Williamson St.
Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson St.
Willy St. Coop, 1221 Williamson St.
Erik's Bike Shop, 680 S. Whitney Way.
Revolution Cycles 2086 Atwood Ave.
Trek Store, 8108 Mineral Point Rd.
Magic Mill, 2862 University Ave.