On yer left!

What took place on Friday 17th May, had over 12,000 participants, seventy pit stops, offered free t-shirts and goody bags along the way as well as ‘commuter convoys”, yet was totally free? Answer: ‘Bike-to-Work Day’, Washington DC style.

Embracing the life style on offer on the east coast of the USA, many staff from the British Embassy in DC took part, which led to a different looking compound as many bikes replaced the usual array of cars parked for the day. Cyclists were rewarded with a voucher for a drink at the Embassy, donated by the Sports & Social Club, though maybe fortuitously, it was closed for a function on the day.

As with everything in Washington DC it was very well organised: cyclists all appeared to be wearing helmets and were very polite. The phrase ‘on yer left’ was heard at regular intervals as cyclists overtook one another (and everyone cycled on the right hand side of the path or pavement hence the warning as people overtook).

For those new to the game there was the offer of ‘commuter convoys’ – about twenty in all – which allowed riders to meet at points outside central DC and cycle in together with a volunteer leader at the helm. Neat idea as city cycling can be a challenge. From what I heard, they went at a steady pace, encouraged the nervous and hopefully left a legacy of new converts.

Later in the day, the Ambassador hosted a reception for a joint team of cyclists from the British Embassy and US Military to support ‘Help for Heroes’ and ‘US Wounded Warriors’ who were on the Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2013. Please considering donating to this remarkable charity: Team British Embassy Wounded Warriors

We particularly enjoyed two aspects of the day: father and son cycling into work together; and although we were going at a pretty respectable pace, being surprised when we were passed by a family on a three-seat bicycle (a “tridem” or “triplet”?), the children wearing school uniforms and carrying lunch boxes. Quite wonderful!