NATIONAL BIKE MONTH: MAY ACTIVITIES FOR WORKPLACES

BIKE TO WORK DAYLocally, Bike to Work Day (always the third Friday in May) is organized by Bike Austin. Check the nonprofit’s website, BikeAustin.org, for information. Companies are encouraged to host “fueling stations” around the city; see opportunities at BikeAustin.org/B2WD. At your own workplace, you can set up a “welcome station” for employees who bike to work that day – with breakfast tacos, coffee, and other rewards.

GROUP BIKE RIDE A mid-day group bike ride can energize your staff. Identify a group lunch spot that is easy and safe to bike to, and designate folks to head up the front and the rear. You could offer this on multiple days. You could also organize a group ride after work. Or get co-workers out to an existing group ride; see list on the RIDE page at BikeAustin.org.

BIKE MONTH KICK-OFFIn early May, host a biking event to get employees excited and start spreading the word. Include a tune-up station to get bicycles in tip-top shape. Reach out to area bike shops, cycling organizations and employees who are handy with bike repairs to see if they’ll lend a hand.

At the event provide copies of the Austin Bike Map. You can request these from the City of Austin by emailing Bicycle@AustinTexas.gov. Engage a cycling organization to chat with people and provide off-route mapping assistance, safety information, and bike commuting gear.

CALLING ALL AUSTINITES! May is a perfect time to enjoy and promote the benefits of biking.Workplaces can host activities throughout May (especially Bike to Work Week) to encourage bicycling. These fun group activities serve as team-building and they’re morale-boosting, too. See additional information and ideas from the national event host, the League of American Bicyclists, at BikeLeague.org/BikeMonth.

AustinTexas.gov/Bicycle | email: Bicycle@AustinTexas.gov

BIKE BUDDIESCreate an interactive staff list that allows employees who live nearby to find one another and make plans to bike in to work together. They can also find bike buddies using Commute Solutions’ online commuter-matching tool at CommuteSolutions.com/Bike-Walk.

SHARE INFORMATION Distribute bike maps and make information about upcoming biking events and local bicycling resources prominently available. Place it on the company intranet and/or in break rooms. Encourage bicycling in your company’s employee newsletters and other communication channels.

NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

Held each year on the second Wednesday in May, celebrate this day by organizing an event with your neighborhood school to encourage the next generation of cyclists. Hand out treats to students who bike to school, or help organize a bike pool or bike train at your child’s school. Learn more and get tips at WalkBikeToSchool.org.

BICYCLE CHALLENGESIn the National Bicycle Challenge organized by the League of American Bicyclists, participants compete by bicycling as many miles as possible during May. Winners can receive prizes like a new bicycle or bike safety gear, and even vacations to places like the Grand Canyon and New Zealand!

To learn more, visit LoveToRide.net.