Picking 2 wheels over 4 has rewards Thursday

Last update: May 12, 2009 - 8:34 PM

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From free breakfasts to discounted Twins tickets to happy hour specials, there will be plenty of incentives for metro commuters to get out of their cars Thursday.

Dozens of restaurants and coffee shops, major businesses and the University of Minnesota will be marking Bike Walk to Work/School Day with celebrations and giveaways designed to induce commuters to try alternate ways to get where they're going.

The event is part of Bike Walk to Work/School Week, a federally funded enterprise that began with Bike Walk to Worship last Sunday and continues through this Sunday.

On Thursday, coffee and breakfasts will be offered to bikers and walkers beginning at 7 a.m. all over the Twin Cities and suburbs. Several bike "buses" -- groups of riders following established routes and schedules, including breakfast stops -- will also be part of the commute. The Minnesota Twins will discount tickets to their 12:10 p.m. game by $5 for fans who arrive on nonmotorized bikes. Fans can get vouchers for the ticket discounts by parking in the bike corral at 4th Street and Park Avenue S. beginning at 11:10 a.m. It will be the first of five such bike discounts for Twins games this season.

Several bars and restaurants are offering deals on food and drinks for bicyclists and walkers during the evening rush hour. The downtown YMCA and YWCA in Minneapolis will offer free use of showers.

Schedules and registration for prizes are available at www.bikewalkweek.org.

BILL MCAULIFFE