For 68 years, May, has been recognized as National Bike Month. This celebration is dedicated to boosting awareness for cycling nationwide with events, programs, giveaways, and initiatives to showcase cycling as a safe, sustainable, and viable mode of transportation. No matter where you are on your cycling journey, Way to Go Durham has resources, from safety tips to events and accessories, to ensure you “do the ride thing” this Bike Month.
Bike Safety Tips:
Before You Ride:
- Ensure you have a properly fitted helmet. You should always wear a bike helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
- Examine your bike before each ride: examine your tire pressure, test your brakes, ensure your bike lights work, and secure all items attached to your bike compartments (bags, panniers, phone holders).
- Check the weather before departing for your bike trip, and dress in reflective clothing to enhance your visibility.
While Riding:
- Obey traffic rules and signals as you would when driving a car. This includes stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling the turns you plan to make.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay on the right side of the road, following the flow of vehicles. If the area you are riding in does not have a bike lane, cyclists are encouraged to utilize the traffic lane.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Watch out for vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, and other hazards on the road. While riding, keep a safe distance between parked car doors as you ride past them.
- Avoid distractions while riding, such as using your phone or listening to music at high volumes. Keep your focus on the road ahead.
- Be courteous to other road users. Give pedestrians the right of way and pass other cyclists with ample space. If you pass someone on a trail, say, “On your right or on your left,” to alert others that you are passing them. If you have a bike bell you can use that as another form of communication to alert others.
- Practice defensive biking by assuming that others may not see you. Stay prepared to react quickly to unexpected situations.
Events to Attend:
There are a series of events for Bike Month across the triangle for bikers of every age! Get your Bike Month started with the Bike Month Kick-Off event on Sunday, May 5, from 12 to 5 PM. Then, on Wednesday, May 8, grab your kids, scooters, and bikes for Bike Walk and Roll to School Day. Ride in Solidarity to honor the lives lost and impacted by cycling crashes on May 15 during the Ride of Silence. More information on the ride can be found here. Rally up your work colleagues and join in for Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 16, at the CCB Plaza to Boxyard RTP. The ride is about 8.5 miles.
For more events, visit Bike Durham’s event page here.
Transportation Resources:
Track your bike trips and build a community of cyclists along your same route on Share the Ride NC (STRNC). When you document your trips, your name is entered into the monthly prize drawings through the GoPerks program.
Bike Durham is Durham’s local biking and pedestrian advocacy group. They host weekly events throughout the year and advocate for safe and sustainable transportation for all.
Durham Bicycle Pedestrian Advocacy Commission works with the Durham City Council and the Board of County Commissioners to address pedestrian and bicyclists’ issues as citizens of Durham. The group meets monthly on the third Tuesday from 7- 9 PM.
Embrace the opportunity to honor National Bike Month. Regardless of your cycling expertise, there are activities for everyone to enjoy this month. By cycling in any form, you contribute to safer streets, a healthier environment, and a more connected community. Always prioritize safety, visibility, and wearing your helmet. Wishing you a joyful Bike Month!