With gasoline prices already high and predicted to continue to climb, bicycling in Missouri is on the increase and that inspires an excellent reason to celebrate May as National Bike Month, Missouri Bike & Pedestrian Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh announced Tuesday.
The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation is a statewide coalition of bicyclists, walkers, runners, trail organizations and related businesses which represents over 30,000 Missourians and advocates on behalf of the state’s two million ardent bicyclists and six million walkers.
“Due to the skyrocketing expense of gasoline, more Missourians are beginning to use bicycles for transportation,” Hugh said. “What we are please to learn is that a number of our bike shops have reported their business is up this year, and that some of the new cyclists are saying they had actually forgotten how much fun it is to ride a bike.
“This provides an excellent reason for all of us who ride bikes to get out and celebrate May as National Bike Month.”
Hugh noted that Missourians should also be aware that the third week in May is designated Bike to Work Week, and Friday, May 20 is Bike to Work Day.
“Whether pedaling to work, shopping, or just for pure enjoyment, cycling is an excellent way to get the exercise you need without having to find the extra time to work out,” he said.
Hugh offered the following tips for cyclists to kick off the May celebration:
Always a good idea to have your bike checked by your local bike shop whether you ride 10 miles a week or 100 miles
* Make sure your tires have plenty of tread and the tubes hold air
* Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
* Make sure that you ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling
* Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
* If you want to change lanes or signal, look first, give a hand signal, and then act
* Wear bright clothing and tell other riders/walkers you are passing on the left
