DAYTON, OH – October 26, 2001 – Bike Miami Valley, the non-profit bicycle advocacy group, is looking for corporate partners in the Miami Valley to underwrite its new annual event, Pedal Dayton, premiering in summer 2002.

“Our plan is to turn the city of Dayton over to the families who enjoy bicycling by introducing them to the rebirth of one of the greatest cities in the U.S.,” said Gary Boulanger, Bike Miami Valley’s executive director. “Pedal Dayton is designed to bring Miami Valley residents into downtown Dayton to witness firsthand the thrill of Fifth-Third Field, RiverScape, the Schuster Center, Dayton Art Institute, Wright Stop Plaza, Oregon District, and many other sights from the vantage point of a bike seat.

“We’re looking for family-focused and health-conscious corporations to assist us not only by underwriting the event, but also challenging its employees to participate,” Boulanger added. A similar event in Portland, Oregon, drew 19,000 participants in August.

“The potential economic impact of Pedal Dayton is astounding; corporations and downtown businesses should consider the long term benefits of having a high profile event like Pedal Dayton draw that sort of crowd,” Boulanger said.

The plan is to shut down portions of downtown Dayton to automobile traffic, and lead bicyclists by way of a planned route, beginning in the early evening. Bridge crossings and refreshment stops are part of the plan. There’s also talk of adding Pedal Dayton to Inventing Flight’s Centennial Celebration programming in July 2003, when the world celebrates the Wright Brother’s historic first flight. Inventing Flight believes its Centennial Celebration will pour millions into the local economy in 2003.

“The possibilities and scope of Pedal Dayton are endless, and we welcome input from the corporate community as we plan our first event. I predict this will become one of the premier annual events in the Miami Valley within five years,” Boulanger added.

For more information, contact Boulanger at 937-463-2707 or garyb@bikemiamivalley.org. Complete information on bike routes, events, and other bicycle-related items can be found at www.bikemiamivalley.org.

© Copyright 2001 American City Business Journals Inc.