MARYSVILLE — Marysville citizens were among the 900 Snohomish County and Bothell residents who participated in the nationwide May 15 Bike to Work Day, sponsored locally by Community Transit and Everett Transit as part of their commitment to alternative transportation.

Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall is a member and past chair of the Community Transit Board of Directors, and he led a group of cyclists on a ride to the city’s “celebration station,” one of seven in the north end, where regular and first-time cyclists were encouraged to stop by that morning. Close to two dozen riders gathered at the Marysville Library on that brisk, sunny morning, before pedaling along Armar Road, passing the Jennings Memorial Park entrance, and eventually reaching their final destination at Comeford Park.

Two city of Marysville teams competed in this year’s Snohomish County Bike Commute Challenge, in which teams sign up to complete at least five round trips to work or school by bicycle, between May 11-June 12, and compete for prizes in categories such as “most miles” and “most trips.” Commute Challenge registration remains open through May 25, and those who are interested in the challenge, or in bicycle commuting tips and other information about local bike events, can log onto www.communitytransit.org/biketowork.

Kendall encouraged more citizens to ride bikes, not only during May’s National Bike Month, but throughout the year as well, to help promote healthier lifestyles and increase public safety for bike riders. The city has added more bike lanes in the community, through goals pursued by the ongoing Marysville Healthy Communities Project.