TI recently marked its eighth year of encouraging and supporting employees to bike to work during the League of American Bicyclists' Bike to Work Week.

More than 450 experienced and first-time TI bike commuters accepted the challenge and pedaled a combined total of 7,300 miles at 41 TI sites in 14 countries.

Their efforts saved 359 gallons of gasoline and avoided 3.1 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

Competition was strong among TI sites to recruit the greatest number of commuters and bike the most miles. Bangalore, India, broke its site record with 109 bike commuters. In Freising, Germany, 71 commuters biked the most miles with 1,146 miles. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 40 bikers were escorted by motorcycles through the traffic.

An employee in South Portland, Maine cycled the longest route, commuting 86.6 miles roundtrip.

TI India commitment
John Dantes who works at TI India cycles to work every day.

"It gives me more flexibility with time," he said. "It's good exercise and keeps me healthy, active and alert right through the day."

Dantes was among the employees and contractors from TI India's Bangalore site who collectively logged more than 840 miles (1,400 kilometers) during TI India's "Bike to Work" Day.

"In India, people are becoming increasingly aware of the need to reduce carbon footprints, and cycling is an effective way to accomplish that," said Sanjay Bhan, TI India Human Resources director and mountain biking enthusiast. "It was really encouraging to note that we had a bigger participation this year."

Employees who cycled to work did so for many reasons.

Patricia Angor of TI Malaysia, said "biking to work is a healthy way for us to contribute into a greener environment. Commuting with other riders also strengthens our friendship as we share our common passion for cycling."

Sharon Wagner of Dallas, TI's Bike to Work Day coordinator, enjoys the group camaraderie.

"I began biking to work in 2007 when I discovered I could map a low traffic 14-mile route through neighborhoods to get to my TI office in Dallas. Bike to Work Day gives me the opportunity to schedule one day on my calendar to connect with other bike commuters."

"I enjoy meeting other commuters and sharing commuting tips, learning about new gear or just shaking hands with someone who likes to bike, too."