SPARKS — Rolling out today is Bike to Work Week, a movement to increase awareness of alternative transportation, bike safety and healthy ways to commute.

The cities of Sparks and Reno have signed up to encourage employees to ride their bicycles to work. Sparks Councilmembers Julia Ratti and Ron Smith will be joined by Reno Councilmembers Dave Aiazzi and Dan Gustin, as well as Washoe County Commissioner Kitty Jung, as they pedal their way from Sparks City Hall to Reno City Hall at 10 a.m.

“I think that it’s important that we raise the awareness of bike commuting,” Ratti said. “The benefits are threefold: It’s good for the environment, obviously, because it takes cars off the road reducing the carbon footprint.

“It’s good for your personal health because of the exercise,” Ratti continued, “and it’s good for the community because of every car trip that we take off the road. We benefit in that we have to repair or replace those roads less frequently.”

Ratti said she considers herself a fair-weather commuter but said with the warm weather expected this week there is no reason not to bike to work.

“I’ll be thankful for every employee at the city of Sparks who chooses to get involved,” Ratti said.

Getting involved is as easy and deciding to ride a bicycle instead of driving a car, Ratti said.

“If you can leave your car at home and hop on your bike and ride to the store for that thing you forget, that helps,” Ratti said.

For people who are new to cycling, Ratti suggests using area resources to answer any questions and get help making sure the cyclists has the proper equipment.

Ratti said organizations such as the Reno Bike Project are very helpful to members of the community because people at the Reno Bike Project not only helps people find a bike if they need one but also helps educate people about bike maintenance and safety. She also suggests asking for help from professionals at local bikes shops.

“Safety first,” Ratti said. “Make sure that your equipment is in good order. Start with rides where you will be more comfortable. Do most of your riding on streets where there is less traffic and then move up to trips that are longer distance and streets where there is more traffic.

“We’ve made a great connection going east to west through Sparks,” Ratti added. “There are now bike paths on Victorian (Avenue). Also, you can ride through neighborhoods and to the Sparks Marina.”

Bicyclists also need to adhere to traffic laws and wear a helmet, Ratti said, but biking can still be an enjoyable experience.

“Have fun with it, ride with a friend,” Ratti suggested. “There is a significant bike culture emerging in the Reno-Sparks area. The more momentum behind becoming a bike-friendly city, the better it gets for everyone.”

For more information about Bike to Work Week, visit www.bikenevada.org.

For more information about the Reno Bike Project, visit www.renobikeproject.com.

Bike safety tips

Tribune Staff

Bicyclists and motorists should safely share the road and be aware of Nevada law.

Below are tips from BikeNevada.org for both bicyclists and motorists.

For bicyclists

On the road:

• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists

• Obey all traffic control devices such as traffic lights and signs, etc.

• Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users

Always wear a properly fitted helmet:

• Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip

Ride on the right:

• Always ride in the same direction as traffic

• Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right

Ride predictably:

• Ride in a straight line

• Don’t swerve in the road or between parked cars

• Check for traffic before entering street or intersection

• Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly

Be visible:

• Wear brightly colored clothing that stands out

• Use a white front light in low light conditions

• Use a red rear light in low light conditions

• Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists

For motorists

Motorists drive cautiously:

• Reduce speed when encountering cyclists

• Don’t tailgate, especially in bad weather

Yield to cyclists:

• Bicycles are considered vehicles

• Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way

• Allow extra time for cyclists to cross intersections

Be considerate:

• Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections

• Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists

• Look for cyclists when opening doors

Pass with Care:

• When passing, leave four feet between you and a cyclist

• Wait for safe road and traffic conditions before you pass

• Look for the cyclist after passing before moving back into a lane

Watch for Children:

• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable and may have less control of their bikes

• Expect the unexpected and slow down

• Don’t expect children to know traffic laws

• Because of their size children can be harder to see

For specific Nevada law regarding bicycling and sharing the road, www.bicyclenevada.com/law.html