BOSTON -- Commuters are being encouraged to leave their cars at home and get to work using pedal power during next week's 50,000 Mile Commuter Challenge.

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NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported that Jim Gascoigne and Shane Jordan bike to work most days. Traveling through the busy roads of Cambridge and Boston in all weather may seem like a challenge, but they said it is a way of life.

"Some people think it's a little nutty to bicycle all year round in New England, but to most of them I say, 'You'd go out cross-country skiing. You go downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Why don't you bike?'" said Gascoigne.

Biking is a great way to get exercise, save money on gas and reduce carbon emissions. They hope this practice will catch on during Bay State Bike Week's 50,000 Mile Commuter Challenge that aims to get residents to ride 50,000 miles collectively next week.

Brown said he has taken the challenge by leaving his car in the driveway and riding the six miles from his home to WCVB's Needham studios at 2 a.m. He wears a helmet and has lights on both the front and rear of his bike.

Bicyclists should make sure they know their route, know the rules of the road and make sure their bike is in good working condition, Brown said.

"If you follow the rules of the road and obey traffic laws, you can easily integrate into the flow of traffic, maintain the same speed or even faster than the flow of traffic and you have a safe and enjoyable ride," Shane Jordan said.

Bay State Bike Week starts on Monday.