September Is (The New) Bike Month with League of Michigan Bicyclists!
While many of our clients are athletes and recreational cyclists, the vast majority of bikes on the road across America are commuters. Here in Michigan, the League of Michigan Bicyclists is a strong advocacy for safe cycling and safe transportation. This month, you can help them do more.
Normally, May is National Bike Month. Like so many things, the coronavirus made groups like the League of Michigan Bicyclists scrap many of their plans for spring, as well as causing the cancellation of a number of rides and fundraisers. Never the sort to give up, LMB has reorganized September as a new chance to commit to going by bike and raising money for programs across the state.
All month long, riders can sign up for free to help raise .50 cents a mile, with a goal of 20,000 miles of commuting miles by the end of the month! It’s really simple to get involved. Head to the event page to sign up and join the LMB club on Strava. By tagging your rides as commutes in Strava, you’ll automatically add to the club total and get that little bit closer to 20,000 miles!
Commuters can also donate or fundraiser through their event account. Even if you don’t have time to raise money, you can support the cause and win prizes by sharing your photos from the ride with #BikeIt on Instagram and Twitter. Plus, everyone who racks up 100 miles of commuting will win a free t-shirt. That’s just another awesome reason to keep pedaling this fall!
Of course, September is a very important and transitional time of year for bike commuting. Fall and back-to-school offer a chance to take a refreshed look at your gear and your riding habits. As the days get shorter, darker, and busier, follow local and state laws on bicycle lights, including both a front white light and rear red light. Consider adding reflective strips to your bike frame or clothing for added visibility.
Where you ride may also change this time of year. Be aware of fall traffic projects that could cause detours onto busier roads. Traffic patterns can also change in the fall, with in-person schools seeing many more cars around morning and dismissal hours. Check the hours of schools on or near your route over the next few weeks, or see when those schools may be returning to in-person learning.
Every mile matters, and every person commuting by bike is one less car. In both cases, the cumulative effort will pay off by reducing congesting, improving physical and mental health, and contributing to a community that values a healthy, active lifestyle.
For more on the Bike It Challenge, head here, and make sure you’re apart of something special this September!