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May Is National Bike
Month
Diane
Ursu , May 1, 2008 |
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Today marks the
beginning of National Bike Month promoted by the League
of American Bicyclists, an organization of which
the Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Cycling Team is a member.
The League has provided 50
ways to celebrate safe and enjoyable cycling throughout
the month. May is a great time to celebrate National
Bike Month as many cyclists come out of the woodwork
to commute, train, and ride the trails. As more cyclists
hit the roads, the number of auto-bicycle accidents
increase. While most cyclists are aware of bicycle laws
regarding road use, many drivers are oblivious to the
rights of cyclists and unaware of life-saving etiquette.
On the flip-side, there are many riders who could benefit
from education regarding commuting and helmet safety.
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National Bike Month is an opportunity to promote bicycle
safety and awareness for cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
May 12-16 is Bike-to-Work Week culminating on Bike-to-Work
Day on May 16. Many Keweenaw cyclists, whether it be
students or work professionals, commute by bike. In
many parts of the world, the bicycle has maintained
its status as a mode of transportation. Local cyclists
have recognized the benefits of commuting. These benefits
include regular exercise, savings from gasoline costs,
and limiting greenhouse emissions. Bicycle commuting
cannot only save a life by helping to prevent cardiovascular
and other related diseases, but it can save the world
one cyclist at a time. If you have questions about bicycle
commuting in the Keweenaw, please visit the Red
Jacket - Bluesky Health forum. Feel free to post
any questions. We are more than happy offer our experiences
and advice. The Ride
of Silence takes place on May 21. Cyclists are asked
to arrive at the Memorial Union Building (MUB) at Michigan
Tech at 6:30 pm. The ride will commence at 7:00 pm and
will go for about 12 miles. Helmets are required. If
you are going to be away from the Keweenaw, click
here to find a location near you. If you are interested
in learning more about bicycle advocacy, visit the following
web sites:
National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety1
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Highway Administration, National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2001.
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