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National Bike Month Rolls into Town

Pump up your tires and lube your chain - time to spin away those polar vortex pounds.

May is National Bike Month, so it's time to dust off the two-wheeler and get going. There's a lot you can do locally to celebrate the month and see the benefits of cycling.

National Bike Month

Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. It's sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. 

Why get back on the bike? There are many reasons, but some include:

  • Cycling can be a group activity that brings people together.
  • It's great exercise and can help reduce stress. 
  • You can save money on gas or public transit. 
  • It's good for the environment. 
Local Events and Resources

The League of American Bicyclists has a searchable map where you can find local bike shops, cycling groups, events and more ways to get involved. 

And if you can't find any local events, the league has a guide to planning a National Bike Month event in your community. 

Bike to Work

One of the league's sponsored activities is Bike to Work Week. Culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday, people are encouraged to leave their fuel-burning vehicles in the driveway and enjoy the warming weather on a bicycle to and from work instead, if possible.

According to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the share of Americans commuting by bike has grown by 47 percent since 2000, according to the league's website. Additionally, more than half of the U.S. lives within 5 miles of their workplace.

In 2014, Bike to Work Week will be May 12-16, with Bike to Work Day on May 16.

National Bike Challenge

May 1 also marks the start to the National Bike Challenge, which runs through Sept. 30. It's a nationwide event uniting thousands of bicyclists and encouraging countless new riders. 

"It is a free and easy way to challenge yourself, your colleagues and your community to ride more while competing on a local, state and national level," according to the league's website.

In 2013, more than 30,000 riders logged almost 19 million miles in the second year of the online competition. In 2014, the group is aiming for 50,000 riders to pedal more than 30 million miles between May 1 and September 30.

TELL US: Do you enjoy cycling in your community? How will you celebrate National Bike Month?


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