A group of bicyclists approach the bridge over Northern Lights Blvd, near Goose Lake during Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN)
The temperature was a bit chilly at just over 40 degrees when I started my bike commute on Friday morning, participating in Anchorage’s annual Bike to Work day. No matter — it wasn’t raining and it wasn’t too hot.
My goal was to get enough treats to substitute for my usual breakfast oatmeal. I soon found, though, that the best part about the commute was the conversations with avid cyclists, dedicated health workers, animal lovers and the many other peoplewho enjoy getting out on Anchorage’s trail system.
There were about 80 treat stations available on the map for riders to find food, caffeine, water, juice, swag and more.
Bike Anchorage sent more than 30 peoplearound the city to count bike commuters.Bike Anchorage executive director Alexa Dobson said Friday morning that they were anticipating 3,500-4,000 riders to be counted during the day’s two commute times.
Bike Anchorage volunteer Yeghsa Vartanian counts bicyclists during Bike to Work Day on Friday. (Anne Raup / ADN)
T-shirts and snacks are on display at the ANTHC treat station during Bike to Work Day. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Bicycle commuter John Pierce shows a wooden Steller's jay that he made to be mounted on his handlebars during Bike to Work Day on Friday. (Anne Raup / ADN)
The South Central Foundation treat station was a popular stop during Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 2024. The Screening and Prevention / Health Education team was working at the station. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Blueberries were among the healthy food options at the South Central Foundation treat station during Bike to Work Day 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Buttons and stickers are on display at the Southcentral Foundation treat station. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Krista Rice, middle, and her sons, Simon, 7 1/2, left and Miles, 5, get some time with six-month-old Saint Bernard puppy, Hyde, during Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 2024. The pups were on hand at the Anchorage Animal Care and Control treat station. Hyde's litter mate, Jekyll was also there. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Bike Anchorage volunteer Yeghsa Vartanian counts bicyclists near the Northern Lights overpass on the Chester Creek trail. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Camellia Jaimes, 5, has her picture taken by her dad, Leon Jaimes (not in photo) during Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 2024. The two were volunteering at the ANTHC treat station near the Tudor overpass. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Bicyclists cross Tudor Road on C Street during Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN)
Long-time bicycle commuter and Bike Anchorage volunteer Steve Johnson makes his last notes after counting cyclists at the corner of C Street and Tudor Road during Bike to Work Day on Friday morning. (Anne Raup / ADN)