May is Bike Month! Let’s Get Rollin’
National Bike Month is celebrated throughout the month of May.
National Bike Month was established in 1956 and is currently celebrated in communities across the country. It is recognized as an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of cycling and encourage more people to try their hand… or rather, for most people, their feet… at riding a bike. (Learn more about National Bike Month at bikeleague.org/bikemonth.)
Biking is a great activity for physical fitness, as well as mental health. It is an activity that can be done for recreation or sport, and in a variety of settings. It is an activity that can be done independently or with family and friends. Biking also supports environmental and other community goals.
For individuals with disabilities, adaptive cycles are available. Options include three-wheeled trikes that are close to the ground, hand-cycles, tandem cycles, and e-bikes. The Seattle based, nonprofit organization Outdoors For All offers adaptive bike rentals, beginning this month, for both children and adults with disabilities, as well as bike lessons and equipment fittings for those interested in purchasing a ride of their own. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2pmc662j.
The theme for National Bike Month 2022 is: #BikeThere.
The goal is to consider all of the ways that biking can improve individual and community wellbeing and how biking can connect individuals with their community.
As shared by The League of American Bicyclists: There are so many ways to celebrate Bike Month and to #BikeThere. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of our movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people. (Read more at bikeleague.org)
So, hop on your bike all through this month!
Bike here…,
#BikeThere…,
Bike, bike everywhere!
(And CLICK HERE for a map of bike paths and trails in Snohomish County.)
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Snohomish County “Bike Month” Resources
- Love to Ride Washington: “Bike Everywhere Challenge” — net/Washington (Teams of up to 10 riders can compete for prizes and bragging rights!)
- Cascade Bicycle Club: Bike to School Program — com/mryfj3pz (Individual students and/or schools can participate for the chance to win prizes!)
- Bike Everywhere Day: Everett Station Celebration (May 20th, 7 am – 12 Noon) — Community event with prizes, cycling safety training information, bike checks, information about new bike paths and trails, and more! (Location: 3210 Smith Ave., Everett)
Additional Resources
- 10 Ways Riding a Bike Can Save the World [Infographic], by Joe Peace — com/2vmhkdbb
- 11 Amazing Benefits of Biking — com/yfuxc4rx
- 19 Bike to Work Day Facts, by James Partlow — com/3kxjhkjv
- 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Cycling for Kids, by Mahak Arora — com/4b7f56mp
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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.