Celebrate Bike Month this May as #BikesUnite

Bicycling makes life better. It makes us healthier and it makes us happier, two things that are always good for us and that are even more important in 2020. That’s why the League of American Bicyclists is so very excited to celebrate National Bike Month in May. 

Go for a solo ride. Take a photo. Share it with the world. Show how #BikesUnite.

Most years, National Bike Month centers on biking to work and riding with a friend to a local coffee shop to get them back on a bike. In 2020, we’re doing National Bike Month a little differently. This May, the League encourages everyone to get on a bike, go for a ride, and share the joy online together. 

For the 31 days in May, #BikesUnite us. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people. 

Share photos of your solo or family rides on social media using #BikesUnite and share the joy biking brings you. By sharing your “reason to ride” on social media and encouraging friends and family across the country to go by bike, we can experience the joy of biking together even as we shelter at home apart. It will be like we are taking the largest group ride photo in history! 

“The beauty of biking is that it unites everyone, from brand new riders to seasoned cyclists, people riding racing bikes and people riding recumbents,” says Bill Nesper, the executive director of the League. “Biking unites us in feeling the freedom only enjoyed when the wind hits your face and you are flying on wheels.”

Here’s how to take part in National Bike Month this year: 

1. Go for a ride – solo! Take a photo and share it on social media and show the world that #BikesUnite
• Take a picture of yourself and your bike
• Challenge your friends to a photo contest – who can take the best photo of their bike leaning next to a tree? 
• Make a scavenger hunt in your community and help people discover local sights 
• Take a selfie in front of your favorite small businesses to show support 
2. Join the National Bike Challenge to log your miles and see how people are across the country are united by biking 
3. Watch and share the League’s videos about how to gain confidence in your riding skills
4. Connect with League member state and local advocacy groups, bike clubs, and local bike shops to discover virtual events in your area using the League’s map 
• If you have the ability, consider supporting your local bicycle advocacy organization and Bicycle Friendly Businesses in your community (make a purchase, buy a gift card)

National Bike Month is a celebration of the benefits of biking. Biking is good for the planet, it’s good for businesses in your community, and it’s good for you. Bonus: the bike is a “happiness machine” that brings joy to even the shortest trips. Biking together is our favorite way to celebrate this amazing machine and the communities it has helped us build, and with #BikesUnite we will show that bikes unite us even while we’re apart, so that we may get through the most difficult situations together. 

In addition to being National Bike Month and the start of the National Bike Challenge, May is Mental Health Month. The benefits of exercising for physical health have been promoted for decades, and it’s increasingly  recognized that physical activity benefits mental health, as well. Our well-being, physically and mentally, is in focus right now. We don’t talk often enough about the mental health benefits of biking, including reducing stress and anxiety, and improving happiness, mental focus, and sleep. You don’t have to put on Lycra or bike up a mountain to get these effects. Short and regular physical activity will go a long way to a cumulative effect on your health. This May, we’re not only encouraging people to bike because it is fun, but also because it feels good and is good for you. Tune up the bike in your garage or keep pedaling in the drops, but whatever you do: bike! 

During National Bike Month, in addition to celebrating how #BikesUnite, the League will be encouraging participation in the National Bike Challenge, announcing our Annual Advocacy and Education Awards from the National Bike Summit, and sharing stories about how #BikesUnite from our advocates and members. 

How are you going to celebrate National Bike Month? Don’t forget to share how #BikesUnite us in #BikeJoy as we ride through this time together.