Greater Mercer TMA (GMTMA), League of American Bicyclists, and New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition staff were at REI Princeton for a celebration event on July 15. REI Princeton received two awards for their efforts to support bicycling in our community and among their employees.
GMTMA’s Employer Wheels Award was presented by Executive Director Cheryl Kastrenakes to REI for winning the Bike to Work Week Employer Challenge held from May 16 – May 20. A team of 13 REI employees participated in the Bike to Work Week challenge and together they biked 532.2 miles. “REI Princeton’s support of biking to work makes it possible for their enthusiastic employees to commute by bike. Encouragement and amenities for biking at the corporate level get more employees out of their cars. We can’t wait to see how many miles they ride during bike to work week next year!” said Kastrenakes.
The second award was the League of American Bicyclists “Bicycle Friendly Business” designation for providing safe accommodations and encouraging people to bike for both transportation and recreation. “The League of American Bicyclists is pleased to welcome REI-Princeton as a Bicycle Friendly Business. In the short time REI has been in Princeton, the business has become an important asset to the surrounding community through its support for bicycling and the benefits it brings. REI-Princeton joins hundreds of leading businesses across the nations that are transforming their communities by creating more bicycle-friendly destinations and workplaces. The League congratulates Colin Manning and Liz Usmiani of REI-Princeton for taking the lead by encouraging staff to ride their bikes to work and actively engaging with local advocacy organizations such a New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, Lawrence Hopewell Trail, and West Windsor Bike and Pedestrian Alliance, and Greater Mercer TMA; groups that working to make New Jersey a better place for all citizens. ” said the League of American Bicyclists Board of Directors Chair, Karen Jenkins.
REI is one of the two businesses in Mercer County to receive recognition, and the only one to receive Gold level recognition from League of American Bicyclists and one of the 9 businesses who participated and logged their miles during the GMTMA Bike to Work Week event. “At REI, we seek to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. REI Princeton is proud to have a staff that lives these values everyday by bicycle commuting throughout the year. We support the local cycling community by volunteering at charity bike rides, offering free bike maintenance classes and supporting multi-use trails through our community grant program. We are honored to receive the Employer Wheels Award from Greater Mercer TMA and Gold Bike Friendly Business designation from the League of American Bicyclists. We hope it inspires more people to get outside and ride.” said the REI Princeton Outdoor Programs and Outreach Market Coordinator, Liz Usmiani.
NJ Bike & Walk Coalition congratulated REI- Princeton on becoming a gold level Bicycle Friendly Business and for receiving the Employer Wheels Award from Greater Mercer TMA. “REI joins only three other businesses in the state in becoming a BFB. REI has clearly demonstrated that bike commuting to the Mercer Mall is safe, efficient, fun and a healthy alternative to driving. NJBWC is proud to have REI as a sponsor and congratulates them for setting an example for other businesses near the Lawrence Hopewell Trail.” said Cyndi Steiner Executive Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition
Congratulations REI Princeton and keep it up!