CVCommuter May is Bike Month

 

May is Bike Month! Established by the league of American Bicyclists in 1956, Bike Month is the perfect time for both seasoned cyclists and beginners to explore new routes, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy riding their bike.  

In Central Virginia, there are many opportunities for biking. Whether you’re rolling down Rivermont to get to work, or biking at Riveredge park before doing some summer kayaking, Central Virginia has many opportunities for riders of any skill level. 

Bike Month Challenges and Contests

ConnectingVA: Log your May Bike Trips for a chance to win a $500 gift card

Log your bike trips in the ConnectingVA app during the month of May to be entered to win a $500 gift card! For each trip logged, you’ll be entered into the statewide gift card drawing, but you will also earn rewards to be redeemed at local businesses, including restaurants, entertainment, shopping and services. Get started today by signing up for the ConnectingVA app. 

Bike Photo Contest: Submit a photo from your recent ride for a chance to win a coffee on us! 

As you hop on your bike throughout May, submit a photo from your ride for a chance to win a coffee gift card on us! More information on contest details and a submission link will become available on this page in May. Stay tuned! 

Bike Commuting

Hesitant to try biking to work? The League of American Bicyclists has a tip sheet to help alleviate concerns you may have about bicycling!

Bike Safety Tips

As you’re riding this month, remember safety is #1. The Virginia Department of Transportation maintains the following list of safety tips. These tips as well as more information on safe biking can be found on their website here. 

  • Be a responsible bicyclist. Obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
  • Always ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Dress safely. Wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.
  • Ride defensively. Anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
  • Pass vehicles with extreme care. Turning vehicles may not see you.
  • Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots whether while riding or when stopped at an intersection.
  • Maximize your visibility at night. Wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
  • Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
  • Exercise great caution when riding in bus traffic. Watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off buses.
  • Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses or emergency drives.
  • Lock your bicycle. Secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
  • Register or license your bicycle if required or provided by your community.