Beaumont, Oakland County Promote Bicycle Commuting
ROYAL OAK -- Beaumont Health System and Oakland County observed national "Bike to Work Day" Friday by unveiling a new bicycle map of bike-friendly routes and destinations in southeastern Oakland County.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Beaumont CEO Gene Michalski unveiled the new bicycle map at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak on May 17. The map was developed by Oakland County and Beaumont Health System to promote bicycling as an active and healthy way for area residents to improve their quality of life.
"The new map is a great collaborative effort," explains Michalski. "It's another example of Beaumont's commitment to promote wellness and champion healthy lifestyles – not only for our employees, but also for the residents and many communities we serve."
Saud Patterson, "Oakland County and Beaumont Health System have collaborated on many projects including Oakland County's Medical Main Street, which is branding the region as a world-class health care and life science center of excellence. Through our partnership, we are providing this bike map to bicyclists of all skill levels. Working together, we can all improve the health of Oakland County residents in a measurable way."
The bicycle map encompasses a six mile radius of Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. The free map will be available at southeastern Oakland County Parks, libraries, city municipal buildings, grocery stores, bicycle shops and Beaumont Royal Oak. Avid cyclist and Beaumont nurse Matthew Faraday helped create the map. A Royal Oak resident, Matt commutes to Beaumont, Royal Oak on his bike year-round.
Along with recommended bike routes, the map includes information on bicycle helmet safety, heart healthy snacks, hydration tips, rules of the road, first aid kits and suggested bike-friendly destinations.
On Friday, national "Bike to Work Day," Faraday led a group of bicyclists to Beaumont, Royal Oak from the Starr Presbyterian Church parking lot.
Through Beaumont's Green Team and Faraday's efforts, Beaumont, Royal Oak was recently designated a 2013 Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists.
Said Faraday: "We're honored to win this national award. It recognizes a visionary group of more than 500 businesses, including Microsoft, General Mills, Patagonia and Steelcase. Bicycling is another great way to raise the environmental consciousness of our employees and area residents."
