Hawley Annual Bike to Work Rally
On May 15th, local bicycle parts distributor Hawley will be hosting its 6th annual Bike To Work rally in downtown Lexington, SC. This event started as a small group ride for company employees to not only celebrate National Bike to Work Day, but as an opportunity to introduce non-cyclists to bicycle commuting in a safe and re-assuring environment.
The idea of sponsoring and collaborating with the Palmetto Cycling Coalition is therefore something of a no-brainer. The PCC’s tireless advocacy for cycling safety, access and education goes hand in hand with the aims of National Bike to Work Day. Riding your bicycle to work is a physical and mentally rewarding activity that should be done in as safe an environment as possible. The PCC has worked with legislators, local community leaders and businesses to promote the aims of National Bike to Work in a way that brings cyclists and non-cyclists together. So much of bicycle commuting revolves around the adversarial nature of cars versus bicycles and those who want roads for vehicle traffic only versus those who envision complete streets which service car, bicycle and pedestrian alike. The PCC looks beyond the toxic nature of these arguments that only seem to go in circles.
Real change starts from the ground up with a dedicated plan and dedicated people behind the plan. After different approaches to community outreach and support over the years, Hawley realized we have the best option in our own backyard: the PCC. Operating as a distributor, we’re rarely in the public eye. We work with shops directly but community outreach can have a muted effect since we don’t directly interact with the consumer. By sponsoring the PCC, we can work with a group that not only shares our beliefs and aims, but also works actively, tirelessly, to achieve them. The PCC does amazing work for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the state and it’s been a privilege for Hawley to work with them. We hope to continue and grow our relationship with an organization that is the catalyst of statewide change for cyclists everywhere.
If you’d like to ride with Hawley employees and other likeminded folk at our Bike to Work Rally, the ride is on May 15th at 8:30am. It leaves from Radius Church in Downtown Lexington and follows a mellow 3.5-mile route to Hawley’s office and warehouse. Pancakes for everybody who rides! Register for the ride before May 9th and get a free commemorative t-shirt.
Written by Ken Klatte, Hawley
2013 Hawley Bike to Work Rally
Empowering local bike shops with the tools and services they need to survive and thrive. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Hawley is a Platinum level sponsor of the PCC.
