By Jim Melwert

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It’s National Bike to Work Day, and here in Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter led a group of riders from Boat House Row, up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to City Hall.

“You are one of the reasons why Philadelphia has the largest number of folks who bike to work of any major city in the United States of America,” Mayor Nutter told a group of cyclists at Lloyd Hall.

Mayor Michael Nutter prepares to ride his bike to work. (Credit: Jim Melwert)

The mayor strapped on a helmet and pedaled his way up the Parkway. At his side, Gabriel Mandujano, owner of Wash Cycle Laundry, a laundry service that uses environmentally friendly wash systems, and picks up and delivers all on bicycle.

“We love Philly; it’s a great bike city. It’s super-cool to see the mayor so on top of promoting this stuff, so we’re honored to be promoting him.”

Alex Doty of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia says Bike to Work Day is a great starting point for people who’ve thought about riding to work, but don’t know how to take the first step.

“Your local bike shop is a great resource. We also have a bicycle ambassadors program and we go into workplaces and give commuting tips, and you can go to our webpage, BicycleCoalition.org and we have route-mapping tools to help you find the best route.”