SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – April 30, 2018 – Bike Month kicks off across the SLO Region on Tuesday as bicycle commuters, local businesses, students, parents and educators gear up for Bike to Work and Bike to School days this May, in addition to other community organized events and activities taking place throughout the month. Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18th and Bike to School Day is Wednesday, May 9th.
Bike Month is a national celebration that increases awareness of the many benefits of bicycling. Bike to Work Day and Bike to School Day activities are spearheaded by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments’ (SLOCOG) Regional Rideshare program, which encourages smart transportation choices that improve health, save commuters money, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
“Bike Month brings our communities together to celebrate the bicycle as a vehicle for fun, fitness and transportation,” said Mallory Jenkins, Rideshare Program Manager. “This year’s Bike Month celebration would not be possible without the dedicated support of the cycling community, local employers and educators.”
Thanks in part to encouragement efforts like Bike to Work Day, the SLO Region has seen an estimated 20% increase in its share of commuters biking to work between 2009 and 2016, according to data from the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey. Bike to Work Day will take place Friday, May 18th this year and is expected to draw both new and seasoned bicycle commuters to participate. In the morning, 12 host locations will treat cyclists to free breakfast, exclusive giveaways and the chance to win a bike. Group rides will be led by local dignitaries and business leaders, including City of San Luis Obispo Mayor, Heidi Harmon. The day will culminate with a Bikes & Beauty Fashion Show and Blowout Extravaganza hosted by Bike SLO County at the SLO Guild Hall from 6:00-9:00 p.m. More details and a complete list of Bike to Work Day morning commuter stations can be found at rideshare.org/BTWD.
An online commuter challenge will also take place from May 1-18 for those who log their bike commute trips at iRideshare.org. Workplaces are encouraged to compete against one another for the most points in their size category. The winning teams will receive a trophy and a paid business membership with the League of American Bicyclists. More details can be found at iRideshare.org.
On Wednesday, May 9th, K-12 schools will celebrate Bike to School Day by hosting welcoming events for students, parents and teachers who arrive at school by bike. There will be a contest for schools with the most students biking in and the winners will receive a new Peak bike rack for their school, sponsored by the region’s Safe Routes to School program. More info can be found at slosaferoutes.org.
Other Bike Month events including bike breakfasts and the ever-popular Tweed Ride can be found at SLOShift.org, where a volunteer run community event calendar provides a central location for bicycle enthusiasts to find out about bike-related activities happening during May and throughout year.
