Philip Pugliese

File Photo by John Rawlston Colleen Carboni waits for traffic to clear as she attempts to turn left onto McCallie Avenue from Central Avenue as commutes to work on her bicycle. On most days, she rides her bicycle from her North Chattanooga home to her job at the Pilates Center of Chattanooga in Highland Park.

“Why drive to the gym to walk on a treadmill,” said Philip Pugliese, bicycle coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga, “when you can get your recommended daily activity on the way to work?”

Bike to Work, the city’s breakfast club for bike commuters, meets Fridays from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the south end of the Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga.

Bike commuting “is fun, it puts you in a better frame of mind at the office and definitely gives you time to unwind on the ride home. Studies show that people who ride to work are more productive, happier and healthier,” Mr. Pugliese said.

About 50 people usually attend, he added.

Pedal power also helps the environment, reducing pollution from vehicle emissions.

To be safe, wear light clothing and reflective gear, and use proper lights. Ride predictably, following all traffic signs and regulations, Mr. Pugliese said.

For more information: www.bikechattanooga.org, ppugliese@outdoorchattanooga.com, 643-6887.

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