ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, or ATEC, and the Harford County Government co-hosted their annual Team Aberdeen Proving Ground, or APG, Bike to Work Day, or B2WD, Event on APG North (Aberdeen), May 16.
In support of Clean Commute Month, B2WD is an event celebrated across the U.S. each May to showcase the many health benefits of bicycling; to encourage more people to try biking; and to highlight cycling as a viable form of commuting.
"For the majority of us, we believe we are too busy during the work day to even consider our health and wellbeing," said Valerie Pogue, ATEC's health and wellness coordinator. "This event is a perfect opportunity to get outside of our cubes and incorporate physical activity into the workday."
Team APG North B2WD participants opted to either bike from home to work or meet at a designated spot on post to complete an 11.73 mile route around the installation.
Before taking off, Paula Hoak, one of the U.S. Army Evaluation Center's, or AEC, test managers, provided the cyclists with a safety briefing and a demonstration of the different hand gestures to use when communicating with motorists or other cyclists while maneuvering on the road.
As the cyclists returned from the route, they enjoyed visiting with several vendors including Advanced Eye Care, Bike Doctor of Bel Air, Freedom Federal Credit Union, APG Commuter Center and ShopRite. Many of the vendors provided the cyclists with breakfast and beverages, and a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and organizations.
"We are really proud to support our number one employer, on both sides of APG [North and South]," said Steven Overbay, deputy director of Harford County's Office of Community and Economic Development, as he welcomed the riders back and thanked them for participating in the event.
"In addition to the health benefits, biking to work has the added benefit of reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles on our roadways," said Overbay. "Clean Commute Month and Bike to Work Day are vivid reminders that our community enjoys multiple modes of transportation geared toward meeting the varied needs of our residents, employers, and the environment."
At the conclusion of the event, the 2018 Bike to Work Team Cycle Challenge Award was presented to ATEC, which included AEC and the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, for the third year in a row. This award was presented to the command that fielded the largest team of cyclists who signed up and participated in the event.
For more information on the B2WD, visit www.bike2workcentralmd.com.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center
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