National Bike to Work Week kicks off Monday, May 16, and the initiative is getting a boost from a slew of local breweries. Each night, from May 16-20, a different brewery will host a bike-centric bash, culminating with proceeds from all events being presented to local nonprofits Asheville on Bikes and Friends of Connect Buncombe.
New Belgium Brewing spokesperson Susanne Hackett said bikes are ingrained in her company’s culture. “In an effort to encourage alternative transportation and reward one year’s employment, coworkers receive a custom New Belgium bicycle at the end of their first year. We also purchase bus passes for all of our coworkers,” she noted.
Hackett said the brewery would like to see, and has invested in, more infrastructure for alternative transportation. “Transportation is essential in any community and a seamless transportation network includes safe bicyclist and pedestrian routes. In alignment with the area’s transportation priorities, we donated land adjacent to the campus to the city of Asheville and Buncombe County to extend the French Broad River greenway in the River District and plan to continue to support safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure in this community,” she said.
Once the French Broad River Greenway West bank is complete it will span four miles along the river and also provide access to downtown.
Leah Ashburn, president of Highland Brewing Company, agreed that greenway expansion needs to be a priority. “Asheville’s future as a more connected city, by foot or pedal, is top of mind for me. Greenways benefit everyone and fit Asheville’s lifestyle. And, what if Asheville was the city where breweries built greenways?” she noted.
Bike to Work Week Brewery Events
Monday, May 16, Wedge Brewing Company
Wedge will donate a $1 from India Blonde Ale & Witbier and has invited The Tacoed Wheel, a mobile bike repair shop, to join in the evening’s activities. Wedge will show Breaking Away as its outdoor movie that evening, starting at dusk.
Tuesday, May 17, Hi-Wire Brewing, Big Top Location
Hi-Wire Brewing will donate $1 from all full pour beers and will be discounting $1 off its four flagship beers: the Hi-Wire Lager, Prime Time Session Pale, Hi-Pitch IPA and Bed of Nails Brown. Food will be available from Foothills Local Meats.
Wednesday, May 18, Highland Brewing Company
Highland Brewing Company will donate $1 of every pint, and Cane Creek Cycling Components will be on site from 5-8 p.m. offering free demos, swag and a raffle for Cane Creek Cycling Components 110-Series headset. Tin Can Pizzeria will serve up pizzas and Woody Wood will play from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Run club leaves at 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 19, Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed will donate $1 of every pint of Freak of Nature Double IPA.
Friday, May 20, New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium will donate $1 of every pint. Small gifts will be given to those who rides their bikes to the event. Tune-ups will be available. As a finale to the week, at 6 p.m., all participating breweries will donate their Bike from Work proceeds to Asheville on Bikes and Friends of Connect Buncombe.
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