Mid City Times

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of biking as transportation, recreation and an essential part of wellbeing in our lives. The League of American Bicyclists launched National Ride a Bike Day in 2021, which quickly expanded to include Walk Bike & Roll to School Day, Bike to Work Day, and Bike to Work Week from May 13-19.

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, the League of American Bicyclists began challenging Americans to take trips by bike rather than hopping in a car. In its first year alone, the “Drive Less, Bike More” campaign resulted in 1.5 million miles ridden by bikes versus vehicles, preventing over 167,337 pounds of CO2 emissions. Through the utilization of the Love to Ride app, the League has demonstrated how feasible and straightforward it is to travel by bike.

If you live too far away to bike to work, there are several other ways to incorporate biking into your life. Small changes can have positive impacts on mental and physical health while improving local air quality.

Try bicycling for a day, a week or all year long. Plan out safe, active trips to work or school. Bicycling is not limited solely to transportation; whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family or taking essential trips to work or shop - you are supporting a happier lifestyle and contributing towards a healthier planet.

For more information about this initiative and about improving air quality through cycling visit the League of American Bicyclists website.