May is National Bike Month!
Recent bike statistics are hard to come by. But the trend is clear—between 1972 and 2007, bike sales and commuting by bike were growing. According to bikeleague.org, in 1972 bike sales in the U.S. outnumbered auto sales by two million. The latest data from 2007 estimates that the total number of bikes sold in the U.S. was 18.5 million (bicycleretailer.com). The estimated total number of autos (cars, trucks & SUV’s) sold in the U.S. in 2007 was 16.2 million (ask.com), so bike sales outnumbered auto sales in 2007 by 2.3 million.
May is National Bike Month, and Benicia is a great place to celebrate with a ride. There’s something for everyone: varied terrain, a bridge-to-bridge loop and scenic, meandering paths. The Benicia Bike Club, over 100 members strong, has weekly rides where groups form to accommodate different paces (beniciabikeclub.org). The club welcomes all road riders to join them. Cycling momentum increases this month with activities across
the United States. Our local Bike to Work Day is May 10, National Bike to School Day is May 9 and National Bike to Work Week is May 14-18. Join the thousands of people across the Bay by biking to work or for pleasure. And regardless of your destination, keep these rules in mind, from bikeleague.org, while sharing the road:
1. Follow the law. Obey traffic signals & stop signs. Ride in the direction of traffic.
2. Be predictable. Make your intentions clear to motorists and other road users.
3. Be conspicuous. Ride where drivers can see you; wear bright clothing. Use a front white light & red rear light and reflectors at night or when visibility is poor.
4. Think ahead. Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars.
5. Ride Ready. Wear a helmet. Ensure tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly & quick release wheel levers are closed. Carry repair and emergency supplies appropriate for your ride.
6. Keep your cool. Road rage benefits no one and always makes a bad situation worse.
