May Is National Bike Month!

May 6, 20195 years ago Cynthia Shahan 0 Comments

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The League of American Bicyclists reminds us that May is National Bike Month in the USA!

Bike Month Dates & Events

National Bike Month includes an ever-expanding diversity of events in communities nationwide — but the biggest day of the month is Bike to Work Day. In 2019, Bike to Work Week will be May 13–19, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17.

In 2019, National Bike to Work Day will be May 17.

40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get to work. With increased interest in healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options, it’s not surprising that, from 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 62 percent.

Hundreds of American communities have been successful in increasing bicycle commuting by providing Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day events.

BTWD

In fact, among the 51 largest U.S. cities, 43 hosted Bike to Work Day events in 2010. The City of Denver reported the highest rate of participation with one out of every 28 adults participating in its 2010 Bike to Work event. That effort makes a difference: Many people who participate in their Bike to Work Day promotion as first-time commuters become regular bike commuters.

But Bike Month is more than one day — or week! From fashion shows to group rides, local groups find unique ways to celebrate their diverse bike cultures and community pride.

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We mix it up on CleanTechnica, and although we focus on the most up-to-date news and original analyses about 100% emissions-free, all-electric cars, we have CleanTechnica writers who are avid bicyclists, e-bicyclists, and bicycle infrastructure advocates. Many of us may own, lease, or drive an electric car, but we also bicycle when there is a chance to improve our health and live outside a bit more. It is a win-win.

I don’t mind sharing the road with a car if it is done safely and that car is not spewing exhaust on me. I sometimes feel in a town where the infrastructure is so lacking that if I don’t get injured by a gas car hitting me, I could die from fossil fuels. So we need both better bicycling facilities and a transition to zero-emission automobiles. Without both, the best we can do is guard ourselves against the risks.

In honor of National Bike Month, below are a few reminders regarding bicycle safety.

Hydrate well and bicycle when your attention is sharp. Though I love abundant foliage, watch out for intersections where bushes aren’t tightly trimmed — make sure your visuals are completely open before biking across a street. If you are on a route with green, overgrown foliage approaching intersections, be sure to slow down a lot, or even stop. Carefully check who is hidden from view. Consider the glare of the sun as you would the invisibility of dusk. Both intense light and changing light reduce visibility.

Here are several helpful videos from the League of American Bicyclists, as well:

National Bike to School Day is almost here, as well. Thousands of communities that have already signed up for the 8th annual celebration.

For those who haven’t already done so, register now for the May 8 event.

Also recommended: “Check out ways to use your event as a tool to promote safety and encourage change, with ‘Seven Ideas for How Walk and Bike to School Days Can Promote Road Safety for Youth and Everyone.’”

For even more, check out key messages, event ideas, and how to plan — and follow Walk and Bike to School Day on Facebook and Twitter.

As noted yesterday, a few CleanTechnica writers enjoy a GenZe electric bike for commuting. Also in honor of National Bike Month, GenZe shared great news about special deals/sales this month,

e-Bikes are a big part of this celebration. In fact, if the goal of National Bike Month is celebrating those who commute exclusively on two-wheels, e-Bikes do an even better job of replacing your car than a conventional bicycle!

GenZe is celebrating National Bike Month (and “Bike to Work Week” May 13-19) this year with a major sale on “Nearly New” e-Bikes. Similar to the Black Friday deal we shared in November, GenZe is clearing out e101 and e102 (100-Series) e-Bikes that were used for store demos or event displays – even some with zero miles, at unbelievable prices starting at $699.

Prices vary depending on the bike and specs (silver and black, frame size, 250 or 350 watts etc.), and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We can also recommend Blix e-bikes, Jetson e-bikes (the Adventure and the Journey), and actually a long list of other e-bikes.

Whatever bike you use, just be sure to get out there and enjoy the fun.