SALISBURY — Park the car Friday and instead pedal a bicycle in celebration of National Bike-to-Work Day.
The city is encouraging residents to bike to work as part of a month-long national promotion of cycling by the League of American Bicyclists.
Salisbury promotes cycling as fun, fitness and transportation, Mayor Susan Kluttz said in a statement.
“Salisbury is devoted to preserving air quality, promoting green initiatives and fostering sustainability,” Kluttz said. “Cycling creates no carbon emissions or pollution and offers a wonderful way to relieve stress.”
The Salisbury Planning Board last month recommended approval of the Salisbury Comprehensive Bike Plan. The plan offers a framework for city planners and engineers by giving forethought and advanced consideration to opportunities for bikeways and cycling.
Salisbury’s Vision 2020 Plan includes the promotion of bikeways and cycling opportunities for city residents. Vision 2020 promotes the city’s mild climate and modest terrain as conducive to bikeway planning, Senior Planner Preston Mitchell said.
Bikeways are a legitimate and effective transportation alternative within the city, he said.
With rising gasoline prices, biking to work makes more sense than ever, said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists.
To learn more about bicycling in Salisbury or Bike-to-Work Day, call Mitchell at 704-638-5244.
For more information, visit www.bikeleague.org/index.php.

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Tips for Bike-To-Work Day on Friday:
• Have your bike checked over by a local bike shop.
• Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash.
• Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling.
• Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings.
• Look before you change lanes or signal a turn. Indicate your intention, then act.
• Be visible and predictable at all times. Wear bright clothing and signal turns.