May is National Bike Month, an annual celebration that aims to encourage biking as an eco-friendly and fun way of getting around town. The League of American Bicyclists established bike month in 1956, and since then this month-long tradition has promoted the benefits of biking, such as reducing traffic congestion and pollution, increasing physical activity and fostering a greater sense of community.
The importance of safety
A key part of bike month is recognizing the importance of safety. However, bike safety isn’t just the responsibility of bicyclists; it’s equally important for drivers to use caution when sharing the street with others, especially as more bicyclists begin to hit the roads this month.
To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, drivers should adhere to the following tips:
• Stay alert – don’t use your phone or engage in any other distracting activity
• Provide at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes
• Look for bicyclists before opening car doors
• Slow down when driving in an area with heavy bicycle traffic
• Wait for any bicyclists to clear an intersection before turning
Bicyclist should adhere to the following tips:
• Avoid distractions – while riding your bicycle, stay off your cell phone
• If you are utilizing a headphone while riding your bicycle, keep one ear free so you can hear your surroundings
• Bicyclists must follow all the rules of the road – all traffic rules and regulation are applicable to a bicyclist
• Use caution and be aware of your surroundings – just because you see a vehicle in front of you, it does not mean the driver of the vehicle can see you
Drivers and passengers: Practice the “Dutch Reach” method
Being hit by the door of a parked vehicle is a common type of bicycle collision that can cause severe injuries to the person biking. Drivers and their passengers can protect bicyclists by practicing a simple safety tip called the Dutch Reach method: to avoid hitting a bicyclist when opening a car door, open the door with your far hand, which forces you to look over your shoulder for approaching bicyclists.
Family bike day on May 4 and other events in Los Altos
As Bike Month unfolds, cities across the country will organize events and activities to encourage people of all ages to ride a bicycle.
In Los Altos, the following events will be held:
• Family Bike Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4, will consist of three guided bike rides in Los Altos. Participants will learn how to navigate their neighborhood streets, safe crossings, secret cut-throughs and will get a free frozen yogurt from the Sweet Shop.
For the adult ride (9-10:30 a.m.) register at bit.ly/adultride.
For family bike ride one (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) register at bit.ly/amride24.
For family bike ride two (1:30- 3 p.m.) register at bit.ly/pmbikeride.
• Bike to School Day, where students can bike or roll to school, is May 8.
• Downtown Los Altos Bike n’ Dine is scheduled 5-8 p.m. on May 17. Participants can join family, friends and neighbors to experience the joy and freedom of biking to downtown Los Altos.
• Bike to Wherever Days are May 16-18. Whether you bike every day or once every couple of months – to work, to school, to the farmers’ market, to the library – you’re invited to join thousands of others in celebration of the humble bicycle. Pledge to ride at bikesiliconvalley.org/events/btwd.
• A Scavenger Hunt will take place all month from May 1-31. Explore Los Altos and Los Altos Hills streets and trails. Send pictures of the items on the scavenger hunt sheet and enter a raffle to win a prize.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Visit BikeLosAltos.com to register and learn more about Bike Month events.
