May is National Bike Month: Celebrate on Two Wheels!

Bike Commuting: not a new idea!

For me, I celebrate biking everyday of the year. Even on days when I dare not venture out on two wheels (like when we have a fresh 12″ of snow!), I still manage to touch base with bikes. Whether its working on volunteer lists for the tours or just taking a few minutes to imagine my next ‘conversion bike’ project, I love bikes. Sure, I can get from point A to point B faster in an auto, but on a bike I am supremely independent. I know the fuel source, I know the condition of my vehicle and I am controlling the effect I’m having on my environment and on my body (and on my mind!) Not everyone is as crazy as I am. In fact I know for certain that there are folks out there who are MUCH CRAZIER about biking than I am.

Bike Maintenance is Fun!

Regardless of which camp you are in, remember this: May is NATIONAL BIKE MONTH so take some time to get out and get your pedals turning. The League of American Bicyclists website has wonderful information on cycling – including their updated list of America’s most bike friendly communities. We hope your hometown is on the list. Becoming a bike friendly community is not just a political project. Sure, having local and federal funds for bike infrastructure projects is key to a successful bike friendly campaign, but cycling awareness – for both bikers and motorists – is a people powered movement.

The Bike Parade

When bike events happen in your community, remember to get out and show up. If there is a Bike Rodeo for kids, volunteer to help out with helmet fitting or safety courses. If your town shuts down main street to allow bikes-only Sundays, take advantage of this fun chance. If your city council is having an open discussion of funding a bike path project, take an hour out of your busy week to be a voice in support of it. Bike and pedestrian friendly communities are safer and more attractive places to live. With a little luck, your community can get on the list of America’s Bike Friendly Communities.

For all you “ride-daily” folks, May 16th to 20th is National Bike to Work Week. You can use this handy form to find events in your area. Perhaps due to a few nasty weather years, Wisconsin’s Bike To Work Week is moved back to June 6th to 10th.

Planet Bike Bacon Bash

Along the bike paths each day I can stop at bike tune-up stations, hosted by local bike shops, the Planet Bike Bacon Bash on the lake shore (with fresh coffee “bike delivered” from Just Coffee!), a crazy bike decorated parade and a week’s end party on Friday.

And this is just here in Madison. Info on events around Wisconsin will be on the the Bike Federation of Wisconsin’s web site soon.

So whether it is a short ride with your kids, a fast, full day club excursion, or a bike-commute to work, celebrate National Bike Month by getting back in the saddle again… the BIKE saddle!

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