With gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon and headed for $5, it’s hard to imagine today’s commuters needing much impetus to park the family chariot for 24 hours and participate in the annual Bike To Work Day celebration, Wed., June 25.

Hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees traditionally take part in this annual honoring of alternative means of transportation, and environmental awareness. This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet.

The League of American Bicyclists has been sponsoring National Bike Month and Bike To Work Day since 1956. Throughout most of the country, these events take place in May, but a few years back, the Colorado legislature officially declared June as Colorado Bike Month, with the fourth Wednesday of the month being Bike To Work Day.

Bike To Work Day represents a grass- roots effort by cities, counties, transportation planners, community organizations and others across the state to educate commuters about the benefits of using two wheels to get to work instead of four.

Those choosing to register for Bike To Work Day will be able to take advantage of the dozens of free breakfast stops set up throughout the metro area, and will be eligible for prizes including: gift certificates to Dick’s Sporting Goods ($50-$400), tickets to a Colorado Rockies game in the 9News luxury suite, a 30-day membership to Colorado Athletic Club, concert tickets, and more.

Businesses can enter teams of riders and compete with other businesses for bragging rights, plaques and a variety of such honors.

Breakfast treats will be provided locally by Panera Bread, 240 Milwaukee St.; Whole Foods Market Tamarac, on the Cherry Creek bike path at Holly St. and Cherry Creek Drive South; at the City of Glendale offices at 665 S. Clermont St., in the Greek Theater of Civic Center Park, at University of Denver on the Driscoll Green at 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Visit www. drcog.org/btwd2008 for a complete list of breakfast stop locations and to register.

The Cherry Creek Bike Rack, 171 Detroit St., will host its annual Breakfast Station Block Party on Bike To Work Day, 6:30-10a.m. Detroit St. will be shut down between 1st and 2nd avenues so riders can enjoy breakfast, coffee, cycling give-aways and more.

A variety of activities will take place in the weeks leading up to Bike To Work Day, designed to prepare novices and experienced cyclists alike for the trek from home to the workplace.

HandleBar & Grill, 305 S. Downing St., will kick things off with the day-long “HandleBar Primer - Your Tune-Up For Bike To Work Week” on Sat., June 14, 9a.m.-4p.m. in the HandleBar/Abo’s Pizza parking lot.  

A variety of cycling-related vendors will present information and products including: Optic Nerve, Green Mountain Sports, Rocky Mountain Sports magazine, White Lightning (lubricants and cleaners), Mile High Sports, Bicycle Colorado and Saris (cycling equipment).

Complimentary bike tune-ups will be offered (donatons to Bicycle Colorado gladly accepted) by Green Mountain Sports, there will be free cold beverages (non-alcoholic), great giveaways, a silent auction, and like-minded, bicycle-oriented folks. 

Suds lovers can duck inside for the Beer Tasting event to be held in the HandleBar game room during the event. Your first one is free, $2 each thereafter.

If you’re not yet set up for summer cycling, meet professional riders from the Green Mt. Sports Velo Race Team, ready, willing and able to answer any cycling questions you might have. Plus, stretch your legs with a 1p.m. bike ride, featuring special guest cyclists. Proceeds and donations will benefit Bicycle Colorado.

For information about the HandleBar Primer, call 303-778-6761.

Ladies, whether you need it or not, you get special treatment when the REI Denver Flagship location at 1416 Platt St., presents “Bike Maintenance for Women,” June 9, 7p.m. Staff from the Women’s Wilderness Institute will demonstrate the basics of bike maintenance and roadside repair.

Then, on June 16, REI staff will host “How to Change Your Bike Tire: For Women,” at 7p.m. Find out more about these free events at www.rei.com/stores/18. For details, call 303-756-3100.