By: Andrew Silverstein

Did you know May is National Bike Month?  All month long commuters are encouraged to cycle to work, school, for errands, or play in the name of gas conservation, fitness, and overall health.

More than half the U.S. population lives within five miles of their workplace, but you can bet a large portion of this majority never even considers biking to work.

Now in it's 5th year, Tampa BayCycle is putting on an initiative all month long to encourage Tampa Bay commuters to utilize their bikes more in their everyday lives.

For the rest of May, Tampa BayCycle will hold events that not only encourage cycling, but fun, safety, and environmental awareness as well.   The schedule is as follows....

  • Wednesday 5/18 Ride of Silence, 7pm Downtown and USF area rides
  • Thursday 5/19 National Bike to Work Day, Davis Islands to downtown group ride led by Mayor Buckhorn  7:30am Free but pre-register
  • Friday 5/20 Art After Dark “The Art of Cycling”, 8-11p Tampa Museum of Art
  • Sunday 5/22 “Tour Day Lokale” USF area local business tour, USF Bike Club
  • Sunday 5/22 Kid’s Safety Clinic 10a-12p Free but pre-register at Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium
  • Wednesday 5/25 Yoga for Cyclists (5:45- 7pm) Free if you ride your bike www.treehouseyoga.com
  • Thursday 5/26 Free Flat Repair Clinic 7-9pm sponsored by Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium
  • Thursday 5/26 Urban Restaurant Tour, sponsored by City Bike Tampa
  • Sunday 5/29 USF Bike Club Adopt-a-Road cleanup session on Fletcher Ave.

If you're planning to bike to work during the month, both Downtown Tampa YMCA facilities (110 East Oak Avenue and 104 South Franklin St.) are offering their locker rooms and shower facilities free of charge for anyone wishing to bike to the office.

Bike racks funded by Tampa BayCycle can also be found throughout Downtown Tampa, the University of South Florida area and the Westshore District.

For more information on National Bike Month and Tampa bicycle events throughout the year, visit the Tampa BayCycle website here.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get to pedaling and do something great for both yourself and the environment today.  Be safe, always wear a helmet, and happy cycling!