May is National Bike Month. Established by the League of American Bicyclists, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of biking and to encourage others to start riding. Among the many reasons to try biking in your own life, consider it for recreation or as part of your daily commute. Biking can help you stay active, cut down on transportation costs, and reduce emissions from California’s highest emitting sector, transportation. We spoke to some of MCE’s biking champions to learn why they bike.
Brett: I have been bike commuting, and using public transit when needed, since 2010. This commuting combination is one of the most significant actions you can take to reduce your footprint and add years to your life. It’s also been a great way to stay active, develop a sense of place, meet people, and have a mental break before and after work.
Sean: I’ve been commuting by bike for over 10 years and am looking forward to utilizing all the great new bike lanes around San Rafael to get to MCE’s office. Using a bike for commuting has not only been a greener and cheaper alternative to driving to work, but it has also allowed us to be a one-car household.
Joey: Biking to work is a great zero emissions option, but I also find it way more fun than other forms of transportation. Biking is fast enough to be useful, but not so fast that you miss everything. People going about their day, traveling up and then down, cars heading to work, making a quick stop at the donut shop … it’s all far more interesting by bike. Right now I’m lucky enough to live in an area with decent bike infrastructure, but in the past, I’ve found that the opposite can be cool too. Seeking out a bike route nudges me onto streets and routes that I might never otherwise find. It’s a great way to get to know your city or town.
Check out Bay Area Bike to Wherever Day to read the stories of more local bike champions and to join in this month’s festivities.
