#BikesUnite Round-up for May 15th

Today would have been Bike to Work Day, which in typical years is celebrated on the third Friday of May. Because Bike to Work Day is so much about commuting to an office, gathering with other people, and generally being the opposite of socially distant, the League decided to postpone this year’s Bike to Work Day and (hopefully) celebrate on September 22, 2020 (also Car-Free Day!) 

But so many people are still biking for essential work or to essential work today, and it’s important we recognize that while some of us are working from home and looking for virtual outlets, our fellow bicyclists are out there, making our quarantines safer and more comfortable. We can support them through our continued advocacy to make streets safer for everyone because all of us are in this together. #BikesUnite! 

Here are some other good news stories and social media posts from the last week that we wanted to share: 

“Cycling ‘explosion’: coronavirus fuels surge in US bike ridership” by Miranda Bryant

• “For many, bicycles have also become a symbol of freedom in the pandemic – an opportunity for mental as well as physical release from the confines of lockdown life. “You’re moving faster, you’re going further, but you’re not moving so fast that you can’t notice the little things,” says Ken McLeod, policy director at The League of American Bicyclists.”

“What do bikes and toilet paper have in common? Both are flying out of stores amid the coronavirus pandemic.” by Emily Davies

• This article illustrates what Alison, our education director, says made her smile this week, “I see so many more people on their bikes in my neighborhood!” 

This is another trend that we hope continues, but will take work on all of our parts to keep leaders focused on: 

“New York City breaks record: 58 straight days with no pedestrian deaths” by Jon Haworth

• “Officials say they will continue to concentrate on growing Citi Bike with a focus on the impacts of COVID-19 and that New York City is looking into opening up the city’s streets to pedestrians and cyclists after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York would liberate 100 miles of streets from vehicle traffic, including 40 by the end of this month.”

How else has the League staff been celebrating Bike Month and showing #BikesUnite? 

From Bill, our executive director: 

Nothing has made me feel closer to a Patriots fan than seeing one use Strava bike art to encourage students to bike. Clearly, #BikesUnite!

Bill has also been leading PE class and recess which is “a chance for us to do something together outside. I’ve never been so thankful to live in a Bicycle Friendly Community that has made it easier to make that choice.” 

From Amelia, our Bicycle Friendly America program director, its seeing her work in action. Here the mayor of San Francisco is showing what it looks like to be a Bicycle Friendly Community: 

For Ken, our policy director, this Tweet from Fionnuala with Discover Traffic Gardens, it’s a Tweet about centering youth: 

For me, this week’s bike joy is seeing Caron’s bike joy! Caron is our VP of government relations, who recently got her bike tuned up and is now taking it for longer spins. As I do in most of my daily life, this is a reminder to be as much like Caron as possible. 

Wherever and however you are riding: ride solo (or with members of your household), cover your face with a mask or buff, stay healthy and keep moving (even if it’s stationary, which I am quite often!) Keep sharing your #BikesUnite photos and keep making us smile!