May 2, 2006
Ridden Your Bike Lately?
If the District's less than perfect streets, incomplete bike trail network, or errant projectiles have steered you away from riding that Schwinn you own, May is the month to turn it all around. Yesterday marked the beginning of National Bike Month, sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Throughout the month, WABA will host a series of events designed to encourage bicycling and bike commuting, teach safe riding, and highlight the D.C. area's numerous cycling possibilities. So do yourself a favor and pull that old bike out, strap on a helmet, and join the Great Bicycle Menace (as DCist Tom calls it)!
WABA's schedule of events after the jump...
Confident City Cycling Classes, May 13 and May 20
Scared of D.C.'s notoriously aggressive drivers? WABA Confident City Cycling classes are designed to provide less experienced cyclists with the skills they need navigate the mean streets. The three-hour classroom sessions teach the basics of bicycling on city streets for errands, commuting, and recreation. The classes are free and open to the public.
Bike to Work Day 2006, May 19
The highlight of Bike Month is definitely Bike to Work Day. Over 5000 people are expected to join one of several massive commuter convoys for Bike to Work Day 2006, stopping at 21 different pit-stops around the Washington region. The ride will end at a massive biker rally at Freedom Plaza in Downtown D.C. Each pit stop will offer food, giveaway items, entertainment, speakers and chances to win bicycles and other prizes. Riders who register online by May 12th will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-shirt and each registrant will be entered into a drawing for one of three bicycles courtesy of City Bikes.
Arlington Community Bike Ride, May 27
Looking for something outside of the District? The Arlington Community Bike Ride will weave through the extensive trails and bikeways of Arlington County, a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award winner. This year’s event will feature rides of 8 or 17 miles that will take place mainly on trails as well as a Kid’s Bike Rodeo that is free and open to the public. Bike Arlington has more info on their website.
For more information about WABA or about additional Bike Month activities, call 202-518-0524 or email Eric Gilliland at WABA.
Picture snapped by Bsivad.
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Here, here! I agree! And really, riding in our fair city's streets isn't so bad or dangerous. You just have to have the confidence to take your rightful place in the street, wear a helmet (please!), and be aware of what's going on around you. The only way to do that is to get out and ride your bike more. Pretty soon, you'll be commuting to work every day by bike -- even in the middle of winter. And, if you get really serious about it, don't forget that there are numerous cycling groups in the region from the casual to the more daring.
Maybe it would be better to create an overal safety campaign. Don't limit it to bike riders, but include everyone. What I mean is to creat ads that tell people that bikes actually have the right to ride in a lane. I would guess most people don't know this. In addition, I would also imagine that most people don't know bikes can legally ride on sidewalks (except downtown areas).
Bike commuter from Ballston, 4-5 days a week, for 12 years. To Metro Center in 20 to 24 minutes. No gridlock, no gas, no parkng, no fare cards. Can't be beat.
Best tips: 1. Take your lane (it's your biker's right) and 2. Keep your eye on the front wheels of cars (drivers might not ever use turn signals for a turn, but their wheels always turn for a turn).