take the bike to work challenge! bike polar to bearsfor work · the bike to work challenge: dear...
TRANSCRIPT
A Community Action Toolkit for Adults
Part of our Save Our Sea Ice campaignw w w p o l a r b e a rs i n t e r n at i o n a l o rg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge
BIKEWORK
POLARBEARSF
or
to
Community Action Toolkit Contents
Save Our Sea Ice wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge
Your guide to what why and how 1-2Talking points and benefits 3Sample letters to the editor 4Social media 5 Poster and stickers
Bike safety poster 6Bike to Work static cling decals or stickers 7 Save Our Sea Ice stickers 8
photo copy BJ Kirschhoffer
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
DID yOu knOW the only way to save polar bear habitat is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions One way you can help is by riding your bike The link to polar bears is direct because most vehicles burn fossil fuels which create CO2 And the more CO2 in the atmosphere the warmer the Earth will be You can help by biking and speaking up for a bike-friendly community
[Visit wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgabout-polar-bearsessentialsclimate-change]
take the Bike to Work Challenge
Biking is a fun way to get around and provides daily exercise You can ride your bike on errands or create teams at work for a competition And yoursquoll help polar bears at the same time
Whatrsquos the Impact In the uS the average commuter travels 20 miles round trip By biking instead of driving you can reduce your carbon pollution by roughly 4600 pounds per year Thatrsquos equal to 21 metric tons or about a 10 reduction in your carbon footprint
[Calculate your savings at wwwftadotgov14526htm]
Yoursquore InSPIREd You want to hELP herersquos hOW
ww
wp
edbi
keim
ages
org
Te
d Sw
eene
y
photo copy BJ Kirschhoffer
BIKEWORK
POLARBEARSF
or
to
Source US Dept of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
A single person family school or business can help reduce greenhouse gas pollution by riding bikes for transportationmdashbut the real impact comes when we invite others to join us Make your community bike-friendly Benefits include less traffic congestion cleaner air and healthier lifestyles
Start by committing to bike to work Plan a safe route with the help of Google Maps which includes a cycling option
Put together a workplace team for the National Bike Challenge held from May through September (Or form a team and join the Cycle for Change League started by one of our Climate Alliance grads)
Arrange a friendly competition with one or more companies Form teams and announce monthly winners Provide participants with a decal and poster
Scale up Talk with your supervisor about encouraging all employees to take the Bike to Work Challenge See our talking points for tips Share a bike safety poster and static cling decal as a thank you
Look in your community for existing bike projects Bike shops or cycling clubs are good places to start Join them or use our resources to start your own effort
Host a bike repair day with a local bike shop or club to recruit team members and build enthusiasm Reward those that join in with a sticker for their backpack or helmet
Talk with merchants about the value of adding bike racks for their customers (See our talking points) Reward bike-friendly businesses with a static cling decal
Speak up at community meetings in support of better biking infrastructure including bike lanes and bike racks See our talking points for tips
Seek out local officials who might be receptive and enlist their support Prepare yourself with facts on the benefits
Write letters to your local paper and politicians inviting them to take the Bike to Work Challenge and to support community biking See our sample letters
Expand to Your Community
3
3
3
3
tell Your Story Celebrate your success Share a photo and caption of your action on the community page of our Save Our Sea campaign at wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgsaveourseaice
For each gallon of gas burned 24 pounds of heat-trapping CO2 are released into the atmosphere You can calculate your personal impact First figure out your vehiclersquos average miles per gallon Then over the course of a week keep track of your biking miles How much gas did you save How many pounds of CO2
Your Actions Matter
3
Source wwwucsusaorgclean_vehicleswhy-clean-carsglobal-warming
3 3
wwwpedbikeimagesorg Margaret Gibbs
3
3
3
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 3
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
GET STARTED Introduce yourself and talk about why a bike-friendly community is important to you Express your interests and concerns
GET TO KNOW THEM Depending on who yoursquore talking with find out about their current procedures concerning biking Do they have bike racks for employeescustomers Do they provide lockers where employees can store their bike helmet and shoes Do they encourage workplace bike commute teams If they are involved with city planning how committed are they to bike infrastructure
SHOW BENEFITS u Consumers want action on
climate change Community members want safe roads clean air and less traffic and parking congestion By taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge and displaying the static cling decal on a door or window a businesscampus can show its support for action on pollution and a bike-friendly community
u Clean air matters Poor air quality can irritate the eyes nose and throat and cause a variety of health problems including asthma
u Employees who exercise regularly enjoy better health They also have higher energy levels and less stress That means fewer sick days and better productivity
u Biking saves money and reduces carbon pollution Bikes take up less space reducing the need the more parking lots and roadways
u Communities that improve infrastructure for bikes spend less than those that expand roadways for vehicles Plus biking adds to a communityrsquos quality of life
u Young people are increasingly seeking communities that are bike- and pedestrian-friendly
u Share the fact that bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas typically see an increase in business And workplaces and campuses experience a greater sense of community
u Peer pressure works Have other businessescampuses joined the campaign Be sure to share this news and let the businesscampus know that this is a community effort
STAY IN TOUCH Nearly everyone enjoys an encouraging word and needs support Use phone calls emails and visits to check in
BE READY TO HELP Offer to make presentations to their employees or staff a table outside to talk with customers or students Then celebrate the success by submitting a photo about the business or school and their participation to our Save Our Sea Ice Community Page
The key to launching a successful Bike to Work Challenge is being able to explain what you are
asking others to do
Following are suggested topics to cover
depending on whether you are talking with
a business owner or speaking up at a
community meeting They will help the listener feel your
passion for the project understand what you are
asking for and become motivated to join you
talking Points to involve others in your Community Action Plan
phot
o copy
BJ
Kirs
chho
ffer
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Community Action Toolkit Contents
Save Our Sea Ice wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge
Your guide to what why and how 1-2Talking points and benefits 3Sample letters to the editor 4Social media 5 Poster and stickers
Bike safety poster 6Bike to Work static cling decals or stickers 7 Save Our Sea Ice stickers 8
photo copy BJ Kirschhoffer
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
DID yOu knOW the only way to save polar bear habitat is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions One way you can help is by riding your bike The link to polar bears is direct because most vehicles burn fossil fuels which create CO2 And the more CO2 in the atmosphere the warmer the Earth will be You can help by biking and speaking up for a bike-friendly community
[Visit wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgabout-polar-bearsessentialsclimate-change]
take the Bike to Work Challenge
Biking is a fun way to get around and provides daily exercise You can ride your bike on errands or create teams at work for a competition And yoursquoll help polar bears at the same time
Whatrsquos the Impact In the uS the average commuter travels 20 miles round trip By biking instead of driving you can reduce your carbon pollution by roughly 4600 pounds per year Thatrsquos equal to 21 metric tons or about a 10 reduction in your carbon footprint
[Calculate your savings at wwwftadotgov14526htm]
Yoursquore InSPIREd You want to hELP herersquos hOW
ww
wp
edbi
keim
ages
org
Te
d Sw
eene
y
photo copy BJ Kirschhoffer
BIKEWORK
POLARBEARSF
or
to
Source US Dept of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
A single person family school or business can help reduce greenhouse gas pollution by riding bikes for transportationmdashbut the real impact comes when we invite others to join us Make your community bike-friendly Benefits include less traffic congestion cleaner air and healthier lifestyles
Start by committing to bike to work Plan a safe route with the help of Google Maps which includes a cycling option
Put together a workplace team for the National Bike Challenge held from May through September (Or form a team and join the Cycle for Change League started by one of our Climate Alliance grads)
Arrange a friendly competition with one or more companies Form teams and announce monthly winners Provide participants with a decal and poster
Scale up Talk with your supervisor about encouraging all employees to take the Bike to Work Challenge See our talking points for tips Share a bike safety poster and static cling decal as a thank you
Look in your community for existing bike projects Bike shops or cycling clubs are good places to start Join them or use our resources to start your own effort
Host a bike repair day with a local bike shop or club to recruit team members and build enthusiasm Reward those that join in with a sticker for their backpack or helmet
Talk with merchants about the value of adding bike racks for their customers (See our talking points) Reward bike-friendly businesses with a static cling decal
Speak up at community meetings in support of better biking infrastructure including bike lanes and bike racks See our talking points for tips
Seek out local officials who might be receptive and enlist their support Prepare yourself with facts on the benefits
Write letters to your local paper and politicians inviting them to take the Bike to Work Challenge and to support community biking See our sample letters
Expand to Your Community
3
3
3
3
tell Your Story Celebrate your success Share a photo and caption of your action on the community page of our Save Our Sea campaign at wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgsaveourseaice
For each gallon of gas burned 24 pounds of heat-trapping CO2 are released into the atmosphere You can calculate your personal impact First figure out your vehiclersquos average miles per gallon Then over the course of a week keep track of your biking miles How much gas did you save How many pounds of CO2
Your Actions Matter
3
Source wwwucsusaorgclean_vehicleswhy-clean-carsglobal-warming
3 3
wwwpedbikeimagesorg Margaret Gibbs
3
3
3
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 3
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
GET STARTED Introduce yourself and talk about why a bike-friendly community is important to you Express your interests and concerns
GET TO KNOW THEM Depending on who yoursquore talking with find out about their current procedures concerning biking Do they have bike racks for employeescustomers Do they provide lockers where employees can store their bike helmet and shoes Do they encourage workplace bike commute teams If they are involved with city planning how committed are they to bike infrastructure
SHOW BENEFITS u Consumers want action on
climate change Community members want safe roads clean air and less traffic and parking congestion By taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge and displaying the static cling decal on a door or window a businesscampus can show its support for action on pollution and a bike-friendly community
u Clean air matters Poor air quality can irritate the eyes nose and throat and cause a variety of health problems including asthma
u Employees who exercise regularly enjoy better health They also have higher energy levels and less stress That means fewer sick days and better productivity
u Biking saves money and reduces carbon pollution Bikes take up less space reducing the need the more parking lots and roadways
u Communities that improve infrastructure for bikes spend less than those that expand roadways for vehicles Plus biking adds to a communityrsquos quality of life
u Young people are increasingly seeking communities that are bike- and pedestrian-friendly
u Share the fact that bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas typically see an increase in business And workplaces and campuses experience a greater sense of community
u Peer pressure works Have other businessescampuses joined the campaign Be sure to share this news and let the businesscampus know that this is a community effort
STAY IN TOUCH Nearly everyone enjoys an encouraging word and needs support Use phone calls emails and visits to check in
BE READY TO HELP Offer to make presentations to their employees or staff a table outside to talk with customers or students Then celebrate the success by submitting a photo about the business or school and their participation to our Save Our Sea Ice Community Page
The key to launching a successful Bike to Work Challenge is being able to explain what you are
asking others to do
Following are suggested topics to cover
depending on whether you are talking with
a business owner or speaking up at a
community meeting They will help the listener feel your
passion for the project understand what you are
asking for and become motivated to join you
talking Points to involve others in your Community Action Plan
phot
o copy
BJ
Kirs
chho
ffer
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
DID yOu knOW the only way to save polar bear habitat is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions One way you can help is by riding your bike The link to polar bears is direct because most vehicles burn fossil fuels which create CO2 And the more CO2 in the atmosphere the warmer the Earth will be You can help by biking and speaking up for a bike-friendly community
[Visit wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgabout-polar-bearsessentialsclimate-change]
take the Bike to Work Challenge
Biking is a fun way to get around and provides daily exercise You can ride your bike on errands or create teams at work for a competition And yoursquoll help polar bears at the same time
Whatrsquos the Impact In the uS the average commuter travels 20 miles round trip By biking instead of driving you can reduce your carbon pollution by roughly 4600 pounds per year Thatrsquos equal to 21 metric tons or about a 10 reduction in your carbon footprint
[Calculate your savings at wwwftadotgov14526htm]
Yoursquore InSPIREd You want to hELP herersquos hOW
ww
wp
edbi
keim
ages
org
Te
d Sw
eene
y
photo copy BJ Kirschhoffer
BIKEWORK
POLARBEARSF
or
to
Source US Dept of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
A single person family school or business can help reduce greenhouse gas pollution by riding bikes for transportationmdashbut the real impact comes when we invite others to join us Make your community bike-friendly Benefits include less traffic congestion cleaner air and healthier lifestyles
Start by committing to bike to work Plan a safe route with the help of Google Maps which includes a cycling option
Put together a workplace team for the National Bike Challenge held from May through September (Or form a team and join the Cycle for Change League started by one of our Climate Alliance grads)
Arrange a friendly competition with one or more companies Form teams and announce monthly winners Provide participants with a decal and poster
Scale up Talk with your supervisor about encouraging all employees to take the Bike to Work Challenge See our talking points for tips Share a bike safety poster and static cling decal as a thank you
Look in your community for existing bike projects Bike shops or cycling clubs are good places to start Join them or use our resources to start your own effort
Host a bike repair day with a local bike shop or club to recruit team members and build enthusiasm Reward those that join in with a sticker for their backpack or helmet
Talk with merchants about the value of adding bike racks for their customers (See our talking points) Reward bike-friendly businesses with a static cling decal
Speak up at community meetings in support of better biking infrastructure including bike lanes and bike racks See our talking points for tips
Seek out local officials who might be receptive and enlist their support Prepare yourself with facts on the benefits
Write letters to your local paper and politicians inviting them to take the Bike to Work Challenge and to support community biking See our sample letters
Expand to Your Community
3
3
3
3
tell Your Story Celebrate your success Share a photo and caption of your action on the community page of our Save Our Sea campaign at wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgsaveourseaice
For each gallon of gas burned 24 pounds of heat-trapping CO2 are released into the atmosphere You can calculate your personal impact First figure out your vehiclersquos average miles per gallon Then over the course of a week keep track of your biking miles How much gas did you save How many pounds of CO2
Your Actions Matter
3
Source wwwucsusaorgclean_vehicleswhy-clean-carsglobal-warming
3 3
wwwpedbikeimagesorg Margaret Gibbs
3
3
3
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 3
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
GET STARTED Introduce yourself and talk about why a bike-friendly community is important to you Express your interests and concerns
GET TO KNOW THEM Depending on who yoursquore talking with find out about their current procedures concerning biking Do they have bike racks for employeescustomers Do they provide lockers where employees can store their bike helmet and shoes Do they encourage workplace bike commute teams If they are involved with city planning how committed are they to bike infrastructure
SHOW BENEFITS u Consumers want action on
climate change Community members want safe roads clean air and less traffic and parking congestion By taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge and displaying the static cling decal on a door or window a businesscampus can show its support for action on pollution and a bike-friendly community
u Clean air matters Poor air quality can irritate the eyes nose and throat and cause a variety of health problems including asthma
u Employees who exercise regularly enjoy better health They also have higher energy levels and less stress That means fewer sick days and better productivity
u Biking saves money and reduces carbon pollution Bikes take up less space reducing the need the more parking lots and roadways
u Communities that improve infrastructure for bikes spend less than those that expand roadways for vehicles Plus biking adds to a communityrsquos quality of life
u Young people are increasingly seeking communities that are bike- and pedestrian-friendly
u Share the fact that bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas typically see an increase in business And workplaces and campuses experience a greater sense of community
u Peer pressure works Have other businessescampuses joined the campaign Be sure to share this news and let the businesscampus know that this is a community effort
STAY IN TOUCH Nearly everyone enjoys an encouraging word and needs support Use phone calls emails and visits to check in
BE READY TO HELP Offer to make presentations to their employees or staff a table outside to talk with customers or students Then celebrate the success by submitting a photo about the business or school and their participation to our Save Our Sea Ice Community Page
The key to launching a successful Bike to Work Challenge is being able to explain what you are
asking others to do
Following are suggested topics to cover
depending on whether you are talking with
a business owner or speaking up at a
community meeting They will help the listener feel your
passion for the project understand what you are
asking for and become motivated to join you
talking Points to involve others in your Community Action Plan
phot
o copy
BJ
Kirs
chho
ffer
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
A single person family school or business can help reduce greenhouse gas pollution by riding bikes for transportationmdashbut the real impact comes when we invite others to join us Make your community bike-friendly Benefits include less traffic congestion cleaner air and healthier lifestyles
Start by committing to bike to work Plan a safe route with the help of Google Maps which includes a cycling option
Put together a workplace team for the National Bike Challenge held from May through September (Or form a team and join the Cycle for Change League started by one of our Climate Alliance grads)
Arrange a friendly competition with one or more companies Form teams and announce monthly winners Provide participants with a decal and poster
Scale up Talk with your supervisor about encouraging all employees to take the Bike to Work Challenge See our talking points for tips Share a bike safety poster and static cling decal as a thank you
Look in your community for existing bike projects Bike shops or cycling clubs are good places to start Join them or use our resources to start your own effort
Host a bike repair day with a local bike shop or club to recruit team members and build enthusiasm Reward those that join in with a sticker for their backpack or helmet
Talk with merchants about the value of adding bike racks for their customers (See our talking points) Reward bike-friendly businesses with a static cling decal
Speak up at community meetings in support of better biking infrastructure including bike lanes and bike racks See our talking points for tips
Seek out local officials who might be receptive and enlist their support Prepare yourself with facts on the benefits
Write letters to your local paper and politicians inviting them to take the Bike to Work Challenge and to support community biking See our sample letters
Expand to Your Community
3
3
3
3
tell Your Story Celebrate your success Share a photo and caption of your action on the community page of our Save Our Sea campaign at wwwpolarbearsinternationalorgsaveourseaice
For each gallon of gas burned 24 pounds of heat-trapping CO2 are released into the atmosphere You can calculate your personal impact First figure out your vehiclersquos average miles per gallon Then over the course of a week keep track of your biking miles How much gas did you save How many pounds of CO2
Your Actions Matter
3
Source wwwucsusaorgclean_vehicleswhy-clean-carsglobal-warming
3 3
wwwpedbikeimagesorg Margaret Gibbs
3
3
3
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 3
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
GET STARTED Introduce yourself and talk about why a bike-friendly community is important to you Express your interests and concerns
GET TO KNOW THEM Depending on who yoursquore talking with find out about their current procedures concerning biking Do they have bike racks for employeescustomers Do they provide lockers where employees can store their bike helmet and shoes Do they encourage workplace bike commute teams If they are involved with city planning how committed are they to bike infrastructure
SHOW BENEFITS u Consumers want action on
climate change Community members want safe roads clean air and less traffic and parking congestion By taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge and displaying the static cling decal on a door or window a businesscampus can show its support for action on pollution and a bike-friendly community
u Clean air matters Poor air quality can irritate the eyes nose and throat and cause a variety of health problems including asthma
u Employees who exercise regularly enjoy better health They also have higher energy levels and less stress That means fewer sick days and better productivity
u Biking saves money and reduces carbon pollution Bikes take up less space reducing the need the more parking lots and roadways
u Communities that improve infrastructure for bikes spend less than those that expand roadways for vehicles Plus biking adds to a communityrsquos quality of life
u Young people are increasingly seeking communities that are bike- and pedestrian-friendly
u Share the fact that bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas typically see an increase in business And workplaces and campuses experience a greater sense of community
u Peer pressure works Have other businessescampuses joined the campaign Be sure to share this news and let the businesscampus know that this is a community effort
STAY IN TOUCH Nearly everyone enjoys an encouraging word and needs support Use phone calls emails and visits to check in
BE READY TO HELP Offer to make presentations to their employees or staff a table outside to talk with customers or students Then celebrate the success by submitting a photo about the business or school and their participation to our Save Our Sea Ice Community Page
The key to launching a successful Bike to Work Challenge is being able to explain what you are
asking others to do
Following are suggested topics to cover
depending on whether you are talking with
a business owner or speaking up at a
community meeting They will help the listener feel your
passion for the project understand what you are
asking for and become motivated to join you
talking Points to involve others in your Community Action Plan
phot
o copy
BJ
Kirs
chho
ffer
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 3
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
GET STARTED Introduce yourself and talk about why a bike-friendly community is important to you Express your interests and concerns
GET TO KNOW THEM Depending on who yoursquore talking with find out about their current procedures concerning biking Do they have bike racks for employeescustomers Do they provide lockers where employees can store their bike helmet and shoes Do they encourage workplace bike commute teams If they are involved with city planning how committed are they to bike infrastructure
SHOW BENEFITS u Consumers want action on
climate change Community members want safe roads clean air and less traffic and parking congestion By taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge and displaying the static cling decal on a door or window a businesscampus can show its support for action on pollution and a bike-friendly community
u Clean air matters Poor air quality can irritate the eyes nose and throat and cause a variety of health problems including asthma
u Employees who exercise regularly enjoy better health They also have higher energy levels and less stress That means fewer sick days and better productivity
u Biking saves money and reduces carbon pollution Bikes take up less space reducing the need the more parking lots and roadways
u Communities that improve infrastructure for bikes spend less than those that expand roadways for vehicles Plus biking adds to a communityrsquos quality of life
u Young people are increasingly seeking communities that are bike- and pedestrian-friendly
u Share the fact that bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas typically see an increase in business And workplaces and campuses experience a greater sense of community
u Peer pressure works Have other businessescampuses joined the campaign Be sure to share this news and let the businesscampus know that this is a community effort
STAY IN TOUCH Nearly everyone enjoys an encouraging word and needs support Use phone calls emails and visits to check in
BE READY TO HELP Offer to make presentations to their employees or staff a table outside to talk with customers or students Then celebrate the success by submitting a photo about the business or school and their participation to our Save Our Sea Ice Community Page
The key to launching a successful Bike to Work Challenge is being able to explain what you are
asking others to do
Following are suggested topics to cover
depending on whether you are talking with
a business owner or speaking up at a
community meeting They will help the listener feel your
passion for the project understand what you are
asking for and become motivated to join you
talking Points to involve others in your Community Action Plan
phot
o copy
BJ
Kirs
chho
ffer
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 4
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Sample Letters to the EditorA good way to spread the word to a wider audience is to write a letter to the editor of your
local paper Following is a sample Feel free to adapt this to make it your own
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning the Bike to Work Challenge
Dear ______
Earlier this year I began riding my bike to work for the first time and went on to organize a bike to work challenge with the support of my supervisor The benefits have been many for participating employeesmdashfrom better health to less stress and an enhanced sense of community
Irsquom writing to encourage other workplaces to set up similar challenges and to provide support for employees who commute by bike Letrsquos make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution all of which affect our quality of life
For more information on the environmental benefits of biking visit Polar Bears Internationalrsquos website Also consider creating a workplace team and signing up for the National Bike Challenge held each year from May to September
Sincerely[Your name]
Sample Letter to the Editor Concerning Better Bike Infrastructure
Dear ______
I frequently ride my bike to commute to work and to run errands I appreciate businesses that provide bike racks for customers and the fact that our city has started adding bike lanes and public bike racks
Irsquom writing to encourage businesses and our city planners to further support cycling More biking means less traffic congestion cleaner air and reduced carbon pollution And studies have shown that shopping areas with enhanced support for walking and cycling actually experience an uptick in business
Letrsquos help make _______ insert your cityrsquos name] a bike-friendly community For more information on the benefits of biking visit the Polar Bears International website
Sincerely[Your name]
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
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ola
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fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
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ola
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Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Save Our Sea Ice www polarbearsinternationalorg page 5
Action ToolkitPOLARBEARSF
orBIKE
WORKtO
Social Media Following are some sample tweets and posts for use on social media If you create your own use the hashtags BikeRide and SaveOurSeaIce to help build momentum
SAMPLE FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE+POSTS
Bike if you love polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Bike to work for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Take the Bike to Work Challenge for polar bears Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
Be the change Cycle for Change Visit Save Our Sea Ice polarbearsinternationalorg
SAMPLETWEETS
Ask me about the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Help SaveOurSeaIce Take the Bike to Work Challenge for Polar Bears Visit owlyvrGe1BikeRide Via PolarBears
Bike if you love polar bears owlyvrGe1SaveOurSeaIce Via PolarBears
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Safety Tips
PLAN A SAfe ROuTe Google Maps now has a cycling option that will help you find a bike-
friendly route
POLARBEARSF
or
CHeCk equIPmeNT Test your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated
YIeLd TO TRAffIC Look before turning or crossing intersections Use
hand signals to indicate turns
photo wwwpedbikeimagesorgAustin Brown
STAY ALeRT Watch out for
potholes parked cars puddles
dogs and other hazards
dONrsquoT RIde AT NIGHT If you do
make sure your bike has lights and that you wear
reflective clothing
fOLLOW TRAffIC RuLeS Stop at stop
signs ride in the same direction as
other vehicles and stay in your lane
Follow the same rules as other vehicles
STANd OuT Make it easy for others to see you Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape or flashing lights SAve YOuR BRAIN
Wear a bike helmet that fits properly
keeP YOuR eARS OPeN Donrsquot wear a
headset Listening is just as important as seeing
RIde SAfeLY Keep your hands on the
handlebars and stay in your lane Be sure to use hand signals
when turning
CARRY IT WeLL Transport your laptop
lunch and other items in a bike basket or backpack
CHOOSe THe RIGHT BIke Make sure your bike is the
right size for you
BIKEWORKt
O
PAY ATTeNTION TO THe WeATHeR It takes
longer to stop when brakes are wet
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
For
prin
ting
inst
ruct
ions
and
info
rmat
ion
abou
t w
here
to
obta
in s
ticke
r pa
per
or p
rint
clin
gs
visi
t po
larb
ears
inte
rnat
iona
lorg
bik
ewor
k-st
icke
rs
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
POLARBEARSf
OR
POLARBEARS f
OR
wwwpolarbearsinternationalorg
BIKEWORKt
O
BIKEWORK t
O
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fORw
ww
po
larb
ea
rsin
tern
ati
on
al
org
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
PO
LA
RB
EA
RS
fOR
ww
wp
ola
rbe
ars
inte
rna
tio
na
lo
rg
BIK
EWO
RK
tO BIK
EWORK
tO
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers
Save Our Sea Ice stickersFor printing instructions and source information visit polarbearsinternationalorgbikework-stickers