May 13, 2011 — In support of Charlottesville-Albemarle Bike Week from May 16 to 21, the University of Virginia's Department of Parking and Transportation will host a "Bike Commuting 101" Lunch & Learn session May 19 to prepare people for "Bike to Work Day" on May 20.
 
Bike Commuting 101 will be an introduction to cycling, including information on equipment, attire and the rules of the road. The free course will be held in Conference Room A in Carruthers Hall from noon to 1 p.m.  Registration, which is required, is online.

Additionally, Parking and Transportation is working with students to host an "energizing station" near the intersection of Rugby Road and University Avenue during the morning and afternoon commutes on May 20. The station will feature light refreshments for cyclists, including fruit, water and juice. The morning station will run from 7 to 9 a.m. and the afternoon station will run from 4 to 6 p.m.

Other events planned for Bike Week include:
• A cross-town ride on May 16, from the University's Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage to City Hall Plaza, starting at noon.
• An introduction to bicycling and an open house May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Community Bikes, 612 C Preston Ave. The event will include tune-ups, bicycle maintenance skills, bicycle commuting routes and traffic safety inspections.
• A Ride of Silence, starting at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center May 18 at 6:15 p.m., to remember bicyclists injured and killed on public roadways.
•  A bicycle tour of urban poultry farmers in Charlottesville, May 21 starting at 10 a.m. from the Jefferson School/Carver Recreation Center at 2012 4th St. NW.
• A bicycle rodeo at Washington Park May 22 starting at 3 p.m.

More information on Charlottesville-Albemarle Bike Week is available online here.