Want To Fight High Gas Prices? Get Geared Up for Bike to Work Day

With near-perfect weather and a growing network of bike paths, lanes and routes, San Diego County can be considered one of the best regions in the country for commuting by pedal power. While there are some imposing hills that make some cyclists shudder, it is possible to get around using two wheels instead of four.

With buses bearing bike racks and bicycles allowed on trolleys, Coaster, Sprinter and Amtrak trains, combining a bike ride with public transit is an option that may become more appealing to commuters as gas prices continue to hover above $4 a gallon.

On May 20, SANDAG will participate in Bike to Work Day, with 75 pit stops set up all over the county providing water, snacks and free T-shirts, but only for those who get out from behind the wheel and on the saddle for at least one day. Prizes are also available for bike commuters who register ahead of time, which can be done online.

Pit stops in La Jolla can be found at:

• IronStone Bank, 835 Pearl St. Also sponsored by .
• , 10666 N. Torrey Pines Rd., sponsored by .
• parking lot 406 next to Gillman Parking Structure, 9500 Gillman Dr.
• UCSD Medical Center, 200 W. Arbor Dr., right of the front entrance to the hospital.
• The Shops at La Jolla Square, 8825 Villa La Jolla Dr. will provide fresh fruit and 365 Organic Honey Crisp apple juice.

For commuters who don’t want to leave their bike locked outside all day while they work, SANDAG has 846 bike lockers at 60 locations throughout the county, mostly at trolley, Coaster and Sprinter stations, but they can be found at other transit centers and park-and-ride lots as well. The lockers are free to use and keys are available for a $25 deposit. Locker keys can be requested online or by calling 511.