Excuses Excuses - Let's do this
Photo by Nhi Dam @nhidtt
I don’t have time.
The streets are crazy.
I’m tired.
I’m out of shape.
So what’s the deal? Have we addressed any and everything that you are concocting as an excuse?
May is National Bike Month and is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. It was first established in 1956 and it is an opportunity to showcase the benefits of bike riding and to give us all an opportunity to pull out our bikes out our garage, attic, storage unit; dust them of, tune them up and enjoy spring, summer and fall; exercise and get fit, become a tourist in your town, improve mental and cognitive health, and gain a lot more benefits.
D A T E S
May 3, 2023 – National Bike & Roll to School Day
May 7, 2023- National Ride A Bike Day
May 15-21, 2023 – Bike to Work Week
May 19, 2023 – Bike to Workday
May to September 2023 – National Bike Challenge
According to statistics 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling an enjoyable and feasible activity. Have you seen the way people drive though? If you have a fear of bicycling due to traffic or living in a city, click on the link to see your states’ report card for bicycle safety.
It is also good to review safety procedures before taking your bicycle out for a spin. Here are three quick tips to remember from the National Bike League.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.
Always use signals to indicate your intentions to move position.
Follow the same rules as motorists including yielding right-of-way and signaling.
Click on the link for more “ride smarter” tips.
resources
Personally, my biggest challenge is the question when. When do I ride my bike? Do I ride it super early in the morning or at dusk, evening time? Where can I leave it? Will it get stolen? So go to your local bike shop, invest in a good lock system and place bicycle riding as a non-negotiable item in your schedule. Get an accountability and ride partner(s) that you can set up consistent appointments. Make your bike ride a sort of destination travel. Be a tourist in my town. I am going to work at the coffee shop, and I will ride there. I will visit my friends, and I will ride there. I will go to work and i will ride there. No more excuses…let’s do this…just ride.
Where have you enjoyed riding your bike, or on what trail? What goals, trails or challenges would you like to accomplish? Comment below.
Challenges
Photo by Alessio Soggetti @asoggetti
Ride to work 1 day this month challenge.
Ride to the coffee shop challenge
Pump up my bike challenge.
Namaste inside challenge.
Plot a course. Get that bike out. Put on your helmet. Engage!