Come Monday morning, hundreds of local residents will trade in their car keys for their helmets as they participate in the annual Bike to Work Week throughout Stanislaus County.

During the week of bicycling, various community events have been planned by cities all over the county, including the City of Turlock, where residents will join together for a bike rally on Friday morning.

As a group bike ride to the Turlock Farmers Market at 9 a.m., the Turlock bike rally will include tons of giveaways for participants, including free T-shirts, healthy snacks and other fun items to celebrate national “Bike to Work Week.”

Area bicyclists and walkers are also invited to participate in a short bike tour through the City of Turlock during that afternoon after visiting the Turlock Farmers Market, and are eligible to win prizes by making a pledge to ride online.

To win prizes, including over $250 in gift cards, participants must make a pledge to bike, walk or use public transit at least one day during “Bike to Work Week” instead of driving alone – an act that, when done by thousands of participants – can help greatly improve air quality and public health. The participant winning the grand prize will receive a bike tour and overnight getaway for two in Napa Valley.

To learn more about “Bike to Work Week” or to make a pledge to participate, visit www.valleybikecommute.com.