The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) celebrated Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17, with a series of events highlighting community collaboration, fitness and sustainability. Partnering with Providence Alaska, Trek Bicycle Store of Alaska and People Mover of Alaska, UAA hosted a morning treat station drawing more than 150 cyclists from across the city.

Morning commuters gathered at the treat station to enjoy fresh coffee and hot cocoa from Kaladi Brothers Coffee, muffins and fresh fruit from Seawolf Dining and Catering, as well as various amenities and activities. Trek Bicycle Store of Alaska offered free bike tune-ups, ensuring cyclists could hit the road safely. UAA Parking Services hosted a drawing exclusively for UAA staff, faculty and students, attendees received Bike to Work Day swag, including T-shirts and water bottles and mascot Spirit the Seawolf made a special appearance to wish the cyclists good luck on the rest of their commute.

The morning treat station was just the beginning of the Bike to Work Day celebrations. Anticipation grew as Employee Experience promoted the official after-party, which took place in the evening at the Varsity Sports Grill. This event was a collaborative effort between UAA, Bike Anchorage and Providence Alaska. 

The after-party at the Varsity Sports Grill proved to be the most successful event at the venue to date. It was filled with cyclists and community members, all celebrating the success of Bike to Work Day. The event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the Varsity Sports Grill space to the Anchorage community, fostering a sense of local pride and community.

Throughout the afternoon, door prizes were drawn every hour. The prizes, which included bike-themed items, a pie from the Pie Stop and a growler from Zip Kombucha, were well-received by attendees and provided a memorable item to take home.  

“This year’s Bike to Work Day was a tremendous success,” said Chris Tarsitano, Seawolf Dining and Catering general manager. “We were thrilled to see such a great turnout and to partner with so many local organizations. It’s events like these that bring our community together and promote healthy, sustainable living.”

As the event came to a close, participants left with smiles, new friends and a renewed appreciation for the benefits of cycling. The positive feedback from attendees and the visible enjoyment from participants underscored the event’s success.

Bike to Work Day at UAA not only encouraged more people to consider biking to work but also strengthened ties within the Anchorage community, paving the way for a healthier, more connected future.

UAA Employee Experience is already planning next year’s Bike to Work Day, with hopes of making it even bigger and better. The university is committed to its partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide an event that celebrates cycling, community and sustainable living.