Get Ready to Ride During Bike to Work Week
May 08, 2015
Pump up your tires, check your brakes, and get ready to ride your bike during Sioux Falls Bike to Work Week, May 11 through 15.
This activity-packed week is just one part of the month-long recognition of National Bike Month. On the local level, Mayor Mike Huether has proclaimed May as Bike Month in Sioux Falls, encouraging residents to enjoy the arrival of spring by getting out for a ride, whether for fun, fitness, or transportation.
“Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, without having to find extra time to work out,” says Chris Parsley, Falls Area Bicyclists president. “And whether you’re an experienced commuter or out for your first ride to work, Falls Area Bicyclists will have bike mentors at energizer stations throughout the week to greet and encourage you. They will help you find the safest, most comfortable routes for your ride, answer questions, and maybe even ride part of the route with you.”
Each day during Bike to Work Week, special energizer stations will be strategically located throughout the city. The stations will offer refreshments, giveaways, and other incentives to ride every day.
Energizer Station locations include:
- Monday, May 11: Coffea (South Louise Avenue) and Spoke-N-Sport from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Coffea (downtown) from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 12: First Lutheran Church from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 13: Bagel Boy (both locations) from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Queen City Bakery from 7 to 8:30 a.m.; Two Wheeler Dealer from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. with lunch.
- Thursday, May 14: Flyboy Donuts, Josiah’s Coffeehouse and Pickle Barrel from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- Friday, May 15: The Co-op Natural Foods, Josiah’s Coffeehouse, Bagel Boy (both locations), Flyboy Donuts, Coffea (South Louise Avenue) from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Queen City Bakery and Coffea (downtown) from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
The week will conclude on Friday, May 15, with a fun-filled celebration downtown at the Icon Lounge from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will include live music from Bridget Kruse and prize drawings.
In addition to promoting the daily bike commutes during the week, organizers have also partnered with Harlan’s Bike and Tour, Spoke-N-Sport, Two Wheeler Dealer, PeopleForBikes, and the National Bike Challenge to allow for friendly competition between companies and individuals. Registration is quick and completely free.
“Riders can compete for their company, the city of Sioux Falls, and the state of South Dakota by signing up for the National Bike Challenge,” says Parsley. “Last year, Sioux Falls placed 80th against similar-sized cities, and we know we can do better. Individuals earn points for every mile they ride and bonus points for each day they ride.”
Bicycling has many benefits, from health to easing traffic congestion, says Mary Michaels with Live Well Sioux Falls.
“Bicycling is a great form of physical activity for all ages, and it can fit easily into daily life, whether you are riding to school or work or for recreation,” says Michaels. “And, being physically active can help reduce risk of disease. In fact, active commuting that incorporates bicycling is associated with an 11 percent reduction in cardiovascular risk in adults.”
Michaels adds that bicycling has been associated with improved moods, decreased transportation costs, reduced air pollution, and less congestion on roads and in parking lots.
Before heading out for your ride to work, be sure to follow these tips:
- Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop.
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head.
- Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling.
- Obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and lane markings.
- Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act.
- Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal turns.
More information about the Bike to Work Week activities and the National Bike Challenge is available at www.BikeSiouxFalls.org.
