‘Bicycle Swag Bag’ Contest During May Will Lead Way to ‘Bike to Work Day’

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is promoting this year’s Bike To Work Day with the return of the ‘Bicycle Swag Bag’ contest during the month of May. Through Saturday, May 28, bike riders are encouraged to post a picture of themselves enjoying their bike ride along any bike trail, path or bike lane in the County. 

For the contest, those photos posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tagging @MCDOTNow along with the hashtag #MoCoBikes will be entered into that week's drawing for a ‘Swag Bag’ prize. Residents that do not use social media can email photos to commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov.

“Bicycling is good for the health of our residents and our environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage bicycling for commuting, exercise and as a great way to get around Montgomery County. The ‘Bicycle Swag Bag’ contest celebrates bicycling and is fun way for participants to share their favorite biking trails within our County.”

Prize drawings will be held weekly on Monday mornings of the following week. All winners will be notified via direct message on their social media accounts or by email. The contest is open to persons 18 years and older. Winners must live or work within Montgomery County.

Residents are also encouraged to register for Bike to Work Day which takes place on Friday, May 20. This year, MCDOT will sponsor six pit stops throughout the County, located at:

• Downtown Bethesda at Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues
• Friendship Heights at the Shops at Wisconsin Place
• North Bethesda at Pike and Rose, next to Bark Social
• Rockville at Fallsgrove Village Center
• Rockville Town Square at Dawson’s Market
• Silver Spring Downtown at Veterans Plaza

Participants at the MCDOT-sponsored pit stops can enjoy refreshments, listen to music and visit local vendor displays. There also will be free raffle prizes throughout the morning and a grand-prize raffle of two new bikes at each pit stop. Additional pit stops will be hosted by other organizations throughout the County. Teleworkers and leisure riders are encouraged to participate.

“We are happy to get back to our traditional in-person Bike to Work Day pit stops that celebrate biking as an alternate means of transportation,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We invite all residents to come out and participate, whether you are commuting to work that morning or just getting some exercise, everyone is welcome.”

All riders are encouraged to wear a helmet.