National Bike To Work Week
The month of May is National Bike Month, and is officially sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.
The League, a nationwide cycling advocacy organization, was formed by several prominent cyclists, including Albert Augustus Pope, in 1880. Mr. Pope was at the forefront of bicycle manufacturing in the United States. In the 1890s, he manufactured about 250,000 bicycles per year, and due to his patents, nearly every other bicycle producer in the U.S. had to pay him $10 per bicycle.
Bike to Work Day is one event which is part of National Bike Month, and National Bike to Work Week. Bike to Work Day was originated in 1956 in an effort to promote a healthy and safe alternative to driving motor vehicles.
Some people think the bicycle is a relic of the past. Actually, the bicycle is the vehicle of the future, because it has a competitive edge over cars in the urban jungle. Bicycles are healthy, clean, economical, and simply fun. Bicycles make no pollution. Motor vehicles are the single largest source of U.S. air pollution. Parking is so much easier with bicycles. Five or more bikes can be parked in the room needed by one car.
Although more than half of the U.S. population lives within five miles of their workplace, lack of knowledge, incentive and fear have stopped many from commuting by bike. But a study completed in San Diego by the San Diego Association of Governments showed that one out of five people who participated in their Bike to Work Day promotion as first-time commuters became regular bike commuters.
Several Florida communities have organized Bike To Work Day events. Be part of the action:
In Jacksonville, please join Council Member Don Redman on Friday, May 20, 2011 for “Ride Your Bike to Work Day”. Organized group rides will depart from 3 locations outside the City, and groups will ride together into town. Each group will be escorted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. More details are found at the North Florida Bicycle Club website.
In Tampa, cyclists should join Mayor Buckhorn at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011. The Mayor will bicycle to work, starting from Marjorie Park Marina on Davis Islands, and ending at City Hall.
In Oviedo, cyclists will kick off National Bike to Work Week at 8 a.m. at the Oviedo Aquatic Center, with Mayor Dominic Persampiere leading the way. Free beverages and fruit will be provided.
Orlando’s Bike to Work Day was Friday, May 6th. Over 200 cyclists rode with May Buddy Dyer. Cyclists were seen on mountain bikes, road bikes, and even beach cruisers, but all followed the golden rule – “Nobody Pass the Mayor”.
Destin’s has designated its Bike to Work Day as Friday, May 20th.
Titusville has an entire week of activities planned, including cycling with Mayor Tulley on Monday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to ride bikes to work on Tuesday, May 17th, and children are encouraged to ride to school on Wednesday, March 18th. At least 20 bicycles and helmets will be given to children in need, with the help of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office “Bikes for Tykes” program, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization bicycle/pedestrian safety education coordinator Kim Smith and the Space Coast Pilot Club.
