Bike to Work Day is here! This Friday, May 15th marks the day where we trade in our car keys for bicycle helmets and hit the streets in a whole new way. Bike to Work Day is one of the major highlights of National Bike Month. Local, state and national organizations have coordinated events throughout May to promote the bicycle as an alternative commuting option, as a recommended source of active transportation for both adults and children, and as a method to help reduce our carbon footprint.
The origin of Bike to Work Day traces all the way back to 1956 and the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). During World War II, the LAB saw an exponential increase in bicycle ownership and LAB membership due to the rationing of fuel and tires. However, when the war ended, cars easily replaced defense manufacturing, keeping people employed and the economy growing. This brought more cars than ever to American streets. With their membership and general public interest in bicycles declining, the LAB initiated one last effort, Bike to Work Day.
It’s been 59 years since then, and Bike to Work Day is still going strong. In fact the efforts of the league lead to the creation of Bike to Work Week and now, National Bike Month.
North Texas & Bike to Work Day
City of Denton
Denton has planned events throughout May to promote National Bike Month, and for the bicycle commuters on Friday morning, they’ve set up four breakfast stations to fuel your human-propelled method of transportation. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. For breakfast locations and more information on the month’s events, click HERE.
City of Fort Worth
Forth Worth has received national recognition for their bike sharing program and is known for it’s mobile town hall meetings with Mayor Betsy Price, an avid cyclist. They’ve organized two different afternoon bike rides for Friday’s city commuters. You can meet at Noon at the Intermodal Transportation Center for a 20 minute ride through downtown or meet at the Panther Island Pavilion for a trail ride at 12:30 p.m. Learn more HERE.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Dallas Area Rapid Transit, better know as DART, is encouraging commuters to grab their bikes and combine with transit to help you get to work. DART has set-up eight different “Energizer” stations throughout eastern North Texas where volunteers will provide snacks, free bike tune-ups, safety tips, promotional items and information from local area bike shops. Their stations will be accessible from 7 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday. More information can be found HERE.
For more information on local cycling efforts and other cycling information for National Bike Month, visit the NCTCOG website.
WEATHER: With the weather forecast, biking to work may not be your best option, but the goal of the day is to remind commuters of the alternatives to driving yourself to work. So, whether you saddle up on your bike, carpool with a coworker or take one of the many rail systems throughout North Texas, make sure you celebrate this national effort.
Header image courtesy of FW Locals on Tumblr.