Albert Lea Mayor Mike Murtaugh on Monday declared next week as Bike to Work Week in the city, encouraging residents who are able to do so to take part in the physical activity.

The declaration correlates with similar national efforts and is consistent with the Vitality Project theme the city has already embraced.

Albert Lea Medical Center Anesthesiologist John Schulz, who proposed the idea to the Albert Lea City Council, said 42.5 million people bike across the country. It’s the most active sport with the greatest participation.

The doctor noted that biking provides a low-impact aerobic activity that focuses on cardiovascular endurance.

It reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and other obesity-related diseases. Not to mention it can have a major benefit to the environment and save bikers money from car-related costs and gas, he said.