Bike to Work (or School or the Store or the Park) Week

Ah May… Who doesn’t love May in the Northern hemisphere? The sun comes back out, the air gets warmer, flowers bloom and the promise of summer tints everything with a rosy glow. It’s also the time of year when riding your bike to work not only becomes easier and more pleasurable, it’s encouraged with giveaways, challenges and fun through Bike to Work Month.

As part of Bike to Work Month, this coming Friday is Bike to Work Day when communities all across the country encourage everyone to get on their bikes and discover the joys of riding to work; a trip that for most of us, is often short enough to ride easily.

As an inveterate bike commuter I can tell you that starting to ride to work changed my life for the better. It used to be that the idea of sitting in traffic or even on the bus filled me with dread. Driving felt like wasted time that only made me tense and riding the bus made me nauseous, aggravated to be on someone else’s schedule and took forever. It didn’t take long until I discovered that riding, even in the worst winter weather, was much more preferable. In the mornings I’d arrive at work awake and ready to start my day. In the evenings I’d get home and feel accomplished and well worn out, as if I’d just completed an excellent work out (which, of course, I had). Over time, I discovered more benefits including,

• being more connected to the people and places in my community
• having a better sense of the natural world that does exist in the city (ask me sometime about the time I saw a Bald Eagle swoop in, grab a salmon and devour it on the beach as I rode by)
• being in better shape
• being happier

Believe me, I know it can be hard and/or intimidating to get on your bike and ride through the city streets. Figuring out what to wear might seem confusing (it doesn’t have to be), understanding the best routes to take can take time, and braving traffic is difficult at first. But all these things and more can be overcome by searching out a local bicycle club and getting some commuting advice or by just getting on your bike and riding, once. Remember, you don’t have to commit to ride everyday from the get go. One time a week will turn into two and eventually, you’ll find yourself wishing you were on your bike more and more.

So find a local Bike to Work Day event, hop on up on your bike this Friday and discover the joys of riding!