This Tuesday is the first Great Bermuda Ride to Work Day and the Bermuda Bicycle Association president Greg Hopkins is encouraging locals to give the alternative form of transportation a try.

"People get to exercise and it is environmentally friendly,'' he said. "It would be great if people got into this and started using bikes more than they use cars.'' Mr. Hopkins said over 1,000 posters had been circulated and advertisements placed in The Royal Gazette to motivate people to take part in the event.

"We have been advertising to give people notice and time to get ready,'' he added. "People can make arrangements on the Monday to bring their clothes into work.

"We have also asked firms to relax their policies on storing bikes on the job. And the Athletic and Olympic Clubs will allow riders to use their showers and changing facilities to get ready for work, free of charge.'' The event also has the support of the Bermuda Diabetes Association and the Bermuda Heart Foundation.

The organisations will host a courtesy breakfast for participants at the Number five car park starting at 7.30 a.m.