image source: strangevehicles.com

May is National Bike Month!

1. National Bike Month is all about promoting cycling and cycling safety.
2. Save the date!
   • May 9: Bike to School Day
   • May 14-18: Bike to Work Week
   • May 18: Bike to Work Day
3. Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise. You don’t need to be dripping in sweat to get a good work out in. Light to moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and other chronic and life-threatening illnesses (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center).
4. Help save mother nature. Transportation is responsible for almost 80% of carbon monoxide and 55% of nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States. A short, 4-mile bike ride keeps 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe (PBIC).
5. According to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, about 1.5% of American workers in 2010 used bikes as their primary mode of transportation. Yes, that sounds tiny and insignificant, but it’s actually a 77% growth from 2000. Now that’s significant!
6. Gas prices seem to be on the rise and we could all use some extra cash. The cost of operating a sedan for one year is about $7,800. Cost of riding a bike for a year? $120 (PBIC). Oh, just imagine what you can do with all that money you save! VA-CA-TION.
7. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Here are some safety tips from the League of American Bicyclists:
   • Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
   • Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
   • Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling
   • Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
   • Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
   • Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal turns
8. The Tour de France is considered to be the biggest test of endurance. All I gotta say is: Lance Armstrong is a beast. For more fun facts about bikes, check out National Geographic Kids.
9. Plan a bike day with your friends! Don’t know where to go? Check out Map My Ride for bike path maps and bicycling routes.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS