Proponents of pedaling say that in addition to cleaning the air, bicycling is also a healthy, cost and energy-saving method of commuting.

And there are special events to encourage this week's bicyclists. According to Joe Walton, chair of the Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, people who pedal in the city this week can collect giveaways donated by sponsors. They can also participate in a drawing for a bike-related prize by completing an "I Commuted by Bike" entry card for each day of the week they ride their bikes in the city.

On May 15, Bike to Work Day, energizer stations will be offering free beverages and snacks. The stations will be located along local commute routes including Stelling Road at Quinlan Community Center, De Anza Boulevard at Apple Computer as well as Pruneridge Avenue at Hewlett Packard.

In the entire Bay Area, there will be over 150 Energizer Stations providing riders freebies and encouragement. Furthermore on the regional level, bicyclists can also fill out an official Bike to Work Day 2003 registration form, which will qualify them for a chance to win a $750-gift-certificate redeemable at any Bay Area bike shop.

Although for many, bicycling is an activity only taken up during the Bike to Work Week, some Cupertinians pedal their way to work, school and errands everyday. Anne Ng, a Cupertino resident, who currently serves as a board member for the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and was member of the Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission for over 10 years, bikes an average of 10 miles a day and only drives her car when it's impossible to ride her bike.

"My personal commitment is to walk lightly on this planet and minimize my impact on the environment," she said. "Not only is biking good for the environment, it benefits the body, reduces congestion and it's cheaper. I really enjoy it." Ng hopes that many people will give bicycling a try this week and become consistent bicycle riders.

Like Ng, Cupertino City Manager David Knapp regularly puts a lot of miles on his bike.

"I try to do it whenever I can. It's fuel efficient, good for the environment and good exercise. Riding my bike to work also allows me to get up close and personal with the city; I get to see the city and talk to the people," said Knapp, who has his own mini-garage at city hall where he parks his bicycle. Knapp said he will try to ride his bike to work everyday during the Bike to Work Week.

For more information about Bike to Work Week, call Joe Walton at 408.996.7861 or visit the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition website at www.svbcbikes.org.