May has become widely recognized as National Bike Month in the United States, with many events and activities taking place across the country to promote cycling as a form of transportation, exercise, and recreation. But how did May become the month for celebrating bicycles? Let’s take a look at the history of May as Bike Month.
The origins of National Bike Month can be traced back to 1956, when the League of American Bicyclists (then known as the League of American Wheelmen) established National Bike Month.
The League was founded in 1880 and is the oldest bicycle advocacy organization in the United States. Its mission is to promote cycling for fun, fitness, and transportation and to advocate for better bike infrastructure and policies.
National Bike Month was established as a way to promote cycling and raise awareness about the benefits of cycling for individuals and communities.
The first National Bike Month was held in May of 1956 and featured events and activities across the country, including group rides, safety demonstrations, and bicycle races.
In the years that followed, National Bike Month continued to grow and gain popularity. The League of American Bicyclists began promoting National Bike to Work Week in 1973, encouraging commuters to try cycling to work instead of driving. National Bike to Work Day was added in 2000, and the week-long celebration has since been renamed National Bike Month.
May was chosen as the month for National Bike Month for several reasons. In many parts of the country, May marks the start of the cycling season, as warmer weather and longer days make it more comfortable to ride. May is also a popular month for bike races and events, including the Tour of California and the National Bike Challenge.
May also includes several important dates for cycling. May 3-9 is recognized as National Bike to School Week, encouraging students to bike to school and promoting the benefits of active transportation. May 17-23 is recognized as National Bike to Work Week,
ulminating in National Bike to Work Day on May 21. These events are designed to encourage more people to try cycling as a way to get around, reduce traffic congestion, and improve public health.
National Bike Month has become a popular annual celebration across the United States, with events and activities taking place in cities and towns of all sizes. Many cities and towns organize group rides, safety classes, and bike festivals throughout the month. Local businesses and organizations often participate by hosting events or offering discounts to customers who arrive by bike.
In addition to promoting cycling as a fun and healthy activity, National Bike Month also serves as a way to advocate for better bike infrastructure and policies.
The League of American Bicyclists uses National Bike Month to promote its Bicycle Friendly America program, which recognizes communities, businesses, and universities that are working to make cycling safer and more accessible.
In conclusion, May has become the month for celebrating bicycles in the United States, thanks to the efforts of the League of American Bicyclists and the popularity of National Bike Month.
The month-long celebration serves as a way to promote cycling as a form of transportation, exercise, and recreation, and to advocate for better bike infrastructure and policies.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, National Bike Month is a great time to get out and explore your community on two wheels.
