Roanoke, Va., May 7, 2009 – Jeremy Holmes, Program Director for RIDE Solutions, is encouraging area drivers to “Commute Clean on May 15” by biking, walking, carpooling, telecommuting or taking public transit instead of driving alone to work. Clean Commute Day marks the traditional start of the summer ozone pollution season and is an opportunity for area commuters to explore the links between their transportation habits and air quality in the Valley.

RIDE Solutions encourages everyone to take an active part in improving the region’s air by taking the Clean Commute Pledge at RIDE Solutions’ website: ridesolutions.org/cleancommute.

"We want commuters to know how easy it is to practice clean commuting," said Holmes. "Just one day a week spent carpooling, bicycling, walking or using public transit can have a significant improvement on the region’s quality of life by reducing vehicle emissions and traffic congestion, saving money on commuting expenses, and even improving physical fitness. Plus, with the cost of gas rising every day, it makes financial sense too.".

Commuters who take the online pledge will be eligible for a prize drawing the day of the event. Area businesses, governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to form teams to compete for the Cleanest Team in the region in several categories based on organization size. Winners will be announced the afternoon of Clean Commute Day.

Clean Commute Day is part of Bike Month in Roanoke. The Bike Month mission is to bring attention to both the opportunities and challenges of bicycling as recreation and transportation in the Roanoke Valley by creating events that involve all interest, skill, and age level of cyclists. To support the region’s move towards certification under the League of American Bicyclist’s Bicycle Friendly Community Designation, events are aligned with the six E’s of Bicycle Friendly Communities : Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, Evaluation, and Equity.