Photo by Charles.

At long last, one of the tell-tale signs that winter is behind us: registration for Bike to Work is now open.

The annual event is taking place this year on May 15 and, once again, is expected to draw a record number of participants. Last year, more than 16,700 people registered for the event (though the actual number of participants was probably a lot less than that because of some wet weather).

“It’s exciting to see how Bike to Work Day has grown and been supported by the residents, businesses, and organizations in the region. We’re hopeful that the event will continue to grow in popularity and expose new riders to the benefits of cycling,” Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections, said in a statement. “Ten percent of Bike to Work Day participants reported that they started cycling to work after participating in their first event, and more than 20 percent say cycling is now a regular part of their commutes.”

This year’s event will feature 79 pit stops set up across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with refreshments and giveaways for all participants. The first 14,000 registrants who attend a pit stop will get a free t-shirt (really, who doesn’t love free shirts?) and all registrants will be entered in a raffle to win a free bike.

If anything, registering for Bike to Work Day is basically a symbolic middle finger to winter, who just doesn’t seem to want to go away.