Many of us are creatures of habit. We drive to the grocery store, even though its a ten-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride. We forget how simply taking our bike to work wakes our bodies up and enlivens us in addition to helping the environment. And while fuel prices are at an all-time high, we still often jump in the car for the simplest of tasks.

When Tian Harter started his “Don’t be Fuelish” campaign as a way to promote bicycle commuting, he never knew it would become such a huge success.

“I just wouldn’t have predicted a few years ago when I started producing my bumper stickers that I’d be seeing $4/gallon gas so soon.” he comments.

He soon formed an allegiance with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition as a way to promote “Bike to Work Day”. Together, this group of bike afficianados set up close to 50 stations (called “Energizer Stations”) which provides the bicycling commuters refreshments, give aways and plain old encouragement.

Every year in California’s Santa Clara County, this group of bike enthusiasts sets up nearly 50 “Energizer Stations” to provide free refreshments, give-aways, bicycling information, and encouragement to thousands of bicyclists on their way to work in California’s Santa Clara County.

His philosophy is to make everyone who breaks free from the fuel trap feel special and noticed on a community level. Local businesses are happy to donate as well, so the prizes these bicyclists receive are often quite substantial, like a free dinner or discounted sports equipment.

In addition, Tian and friends work with local heavyweights like Google and Yahoo as well as major government and community agencies, whom also help foster a “commuter bike approach” with their employees.

“Bike to Work Day,” which started 14 years ago in San Francisco, has now spread nationwide. Bicycle friendly cities from across the U.S. participate, increasing the public awareness and importance of moving away from fuel-reliance.

“Whether you drive or ride, please remember…share the road!”

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