RALEIGH, NC -- Dozens of cyclists took over Downtown Raleigh Friday to celebrate National Bike to Work Day.

The ride comes as Bike to Work Week comes to an end.

Triangle Transit and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian Stakeholders Group -- or CAMPO BPSG -- organized the event.

They say the goal of the ride was to encourage people to use their bicycles more -- instead of their cars -- and to highlight bike safety.

"In this time of gas prices, it is a good way to get out and get around the city," said Raleigh City Council Member Thomas Crowder.

Amy Armbruster, who helped organize the event, said safety can be a concern, but both drivers and cyclists need to be aware of each other.

"A cycle is a vehicle, too, and they're subject to all the laws that a car would be," she said. "So if you do that, I think that that would make cyclists a lot safer."