May is Bike Month

Happy Bike Month, ya'll!

Let's start it off with this video from People for Bikes:

May is Bike Month

Yes, it's that time of year again. May is once again upon us - even if it doesn't feel like May what with the weather we've been having.

Many communities have something planned, especially during Bike week, which is May 16 - 20.

Check the League of  American Bicyclists website for activites happening nationwide.

Locally, you can check the Utah Bike Month website for rides a list of rides and bike-related event happening this month.

During Bike Week - May 16 thru 20, UTA sponsors various events - like bike to work days in SLC, Ogden, and Provo where you can ride with the mayors of each of the cities. The events wrap up on Friday  and Saturdaywith the UTA Bike Bonanza at Gallivan Plaza - with free food, activites, bike and gear raffles. And Saturday with the Cycle Salt Lake Century.

No matter where you are, or if you participate in any of the events this month, the most important thing is to get out and ride your bike.

Bike Month - pictures

Bike Month comes to a close today.  This year I was able to participate in the Bike Bonanza, and ride in the SL Century. But, I wasn't able to ride along with the Mayors of Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County for the Bike to Work Day. 

I took my camera and walked around downtown for lunch one day.  I had a different post in mind when I took these pictures, but I think that some pictures ofbikes and people riding their bikes on a nice spring day is a better use of the pictures, and a good way to bring Bike Month to a close. 

Thank a Cyclist

Next time you are driving your car down a paved road, thank a cyclist: The League of American Wheelmen (later changed to the League of American Bicyclists)  were the prominent advocacy group behind the Good Roads Movement  back in the 1880's - long before the advent or popularity of the automobile.

Next time you get on an airplane bound for far-off destinations, thank a cyclist: Orville and Wilbur Wright opened a bicycle repair shop in 1892, and later the Wright Cycle Company began manufacturing their own brand of bicycle

So, next time you are getting frustrated because a cyclist in the lane in front of you is adding less than 10 seconds to your commute, just think what travel would have been like if it wasn't for a cyclist.

A surprising supporter

Cycling has a very surprising supporter, the AAA. 

Yes, the American Automobile Association is encouraging all motorists to respectfully share the road with cyclists.

In recognition of National Bike Month, AAA reminds both motorists and cyclists to be vigilant about sharing the road and the to exercise caution year round.

"It’s important for motorists to remember that cyclists are granted the same rights and are expected to obey the same laws as they are,” said Cathleen Lewis, director of public affairs for the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club. “AAA appreciates the continued efforts of stakeholders and transportation officials towards making road safer for motorists and cyclists alike.”

The AAA is also urging motorists to exercise exceptional caution when approaching bicyclists with whom they share the road and offers the following tips:

• Allow three feet of passing space between your car and the cyclist. Tailgating or honking can startle or fluster a bicyclist, causing them to swerve further into the driving lane.
• Be patient. Remember, cyclists are moving under their own power and can’t be expected to go the same speed as cars.
• Pay special attention to blind spots. Due to their size and location of bike lanes, bikes can often get lost in a car’s blind spot, so double check before changing lanes, making right-hand turns or before opening your car door on the traffic side when parked.
• Be attentive on side streets and in neighborhoods. Children are especially at risk in residential areas. Follow the posted speed limit, avoid driver distraction and always be aware of your surroundings. Be particularly cautious when backing out of a driveway and onto the street.

It's nice to see an organization such as the AAA noticing that we are out there on our bicycles, and that our numbers are growing steadily.  I hope that they continue to spread this message to their members, even after Bike month is over.

from an article in NJToday.net

2009 Bicycle Friendly State list released.

USA Today printed an article today about the 2009 Bicycle Friendly State rankings. Washington is #1. Surprisingly, Oregon, with the most bike-friendly city in the country - Portland- ranks #4. Utah is firmly in the top half with a #18 berth. For more information, and to see how they came up with the rankings, go to http://www.bicyclefriendlystate.org/

1. Washington - Silver*
2. Wisconsin - Silver*
3. Maine
4. Oregon
5. Minnesota - Bronze*
6. Iowa
7. Arizona - Bronze*
8. New Hampshire
9. Delaware
10. New Jersey
11. Wyoming
12. Illinois
13. Colorado
14. California
15. Michigan
16. Maryland
17. Missouri
18. Utah
19. Massachusetts
20. North Carolina
21. Vermont
22. Hawaii
23. Virginia
24. Mississippi
25. Nevada
26. South Carolina
27. Kentucky
28. South Dakota
29. Indiana
30. Louisiana
31. Georgia
32. Florida
33. Kansas
34. Idaho
35. Rhode Island
36. Texas
37. Nebraska
38. Arkansas
39. Ohio
40. Pennsylvania
41. New York
42. West Virginia
43. Tennessee
44. Connecticut
45. North Dakota
46. New Mexico
47. Alaska
48. Oklahoma
49. Montana
50. Alabama

Busting commuting myths

I found this on the bike commuters website:

From the League of American Bicyclists via a bikingbis tweet.


Busting the 10 bicycling myths

1. I'm out of shape
-- Ride an easy pace, in a few months you will be in great shape
-- Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
-- You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter

2. It takes too long
-- The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you become
-- Trips of less than 3 miles will be quicker by bike
-- Trips of 5 to 7 miles in urban areas take the same or less by car

3. It's too far
-- Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day
-- Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your route
-- Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work

4. No bike parking
-- Look around for a storage area in your building or office
-- Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
-- Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside

5. My bike is beat up
-- Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
-- If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route
-- Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride

6. No showers
-- Most commuters don't shower at wor; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
-- Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
-- Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only

7. I have to dress up
-- Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
-- Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
-- Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding

8. It's raining
-- Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
-- If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
-- Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain

9. The roads aren't safe
-- Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights
-- Wear bright clothing
-- You are at no greater risk than driving a car
-- Wear a helmet everytime you ride

10. I have to run errands
-- Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
-- Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
-- Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking
-- Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use

May is Bike Month

Happy May

May has been declared National Bike Month. Cities and states everywhere are celebrating by having special rides with the elected officials, bike fairs, and bike to work days.

Here is a list, and links for what is going on this month in Utah.

Salt Lake Bike Summit - Saturday May 2: Click here for more details.

Bike to work Wednesdays: As part of the Bike Month celebration, every Wednesday throughout the Month of May is declared BIKE TO WORK WEDNESDAY!

Provo City Bike to Work Day, Tuesday, May 12: Click here for more details.

Mayor's Bike to Work Day, Wednesday, May 13, 7:00-9:00 AM: Join us for a ride with Mayor Peter Corrooon, Mayor Ralph Becker and other city mayors under police escort ot the Salt Lake County Govt. Center and then to the City County Building in downtown SLC. Free bagels, coffee and juice for all participants.

Bike Bonanza - Friday, May 15: Bring the entire family and join us once again at Gallivan Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City for an evening of fun, food and prizes! From 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. visit vendor and information booths, have your bike tuned, and pick up your packet for the Salt Lake Century Ride.

Free helmets will be given away to the first 75 kids, and prize drawings will be held approximately every 15 minutes for a variety of prizes including helmets and cycling gloves courtesy of Salt Lake City Bicycle Company.

Enjoy a slice of Pappa John's Pizza and stop by our Creamies Ice Cream booth while you check out the various activities taking place all evening. A student Bicycle Art display will be placed throughout the venue. From 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. take part or just enjoy watching the Tricycle Time Trials. This event is for kids of ALL ages and will be held in the arena area. Starting at 5:30 p.m. until approximately 7:00 p.m. you can demo modified bicycles at the Cyclo Show and Go. Note: Waivers and helmets are required of all who demo these bikes.

And, at 7:00 p.m. Utah's very first Cycle Style Show will take place and will feature a variety of bicycles, and the latest in cycling and commuter apparel and gear. Come see how easy it is to ride your bike to work and be stylish at the same time!

At approximately 7:30 p.m. (after style show) prizes will be awarded to the student bike art contest winners! We will also a hold the drawings for the following prizes:
* Electric Bike Kit by Eco Moto
* Two bicycles courtesy of Specialized
* Cargo Bike courtesy of Madsen Cycle

Cycle Salt Lake Century - Saturday, May 16: See http://www.cyclesaltlakecentury/ for details.

There are more things going on around the state during the month. Go to the Utah Bike Month website for a calendar of happenings.