The third annual Bike to Work Day brings incentives to commuters who ditch the car and ride the bike to work Friday.

The national event started several years ago and St Joseph joined the effort to get residents to take the healthier step to work by riding a bike. 65 percent of trips less than a mile are still taken by car, according to organizers.

Organizers saw an increase of 137 percent of ridership during Bike to Work Day last year compared to the year before.  The weather forecast may keep some riders from participating, Organizer Kelsy Marr said.

“Were calling for some pretty severe weather,” Marr said.  “I hope that it’s not going to be as bad as its forecasted and we can get some more riders out there.”

Prizes are available for riders who submit a dated photo.  The photo can be either mailed are e-mailed to organizers.  You’re asked to include your name, contact information and your workplace.

Sending your Photo

Email: [email protected]

Mail: 1100 Frederick Ave. Room 204, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

Special Promotions for Participants

• $50 gift card to East Hills Mall (1st Prize)
• $25 gift card to Hy-Vee(2nd Prize)
• $10 gift cad to Hy-Vee(3rd Prize)
• FREE Coffee & Bagel coupons provided by Panera Bread
• FREE Hy-Vee salad bar coupons for everyone who sends in a picture
• FREE bus rides for anyone traveling (in St. Joseph) with a bike on the day of the event
• Companies with the most submitted photos from employees will win a $100 gift card to Hy-Vee for their next catering event

Enter your date stamped photo of you and your bicycle for a chance to win.