Bike Month is a celebration of bikes, a reason to dust off that old bike and get riding again, a helpful push to bring people together on two wheels, and much, much more. Since 1956, May has been recognized as National Bike Month, and the League of American Bicyclists has sponsored this celebration of bicycling for decades. Indeed, bike com- muting has grown by 62% from 2000 to 2013 — but Bike Month is about more than just getting to and from the office.
We went out and asked some East Bay bicyclists why they ride. In turns out, we all have different reasons; some of us ride because its cheap, or because its simply the easiest way to get around. Others ride because they believe in riding bikes as a way towards strengthening their community’s sustainability and health.
Dianne Martinez, Emeryville City Council
I bike because I want to do my part to reduce greenhouse gases.
Rue Mapp, Founder of Outdoor Afro, Oakland
I bike because it helps me feel connected to my community.
Scott Zengel, Signature Development Group, Oakland
I bike because I don’t like driving the car, I like to be outside and I think it’s great exercise.
What’s your ‘why’? With so many reasons to ride, what’s yours? Send us your story at outreach@BikeEastBay.org.