To quote rock legend Freddie Mercury – “Get on your bikes and ride!”

May is National Bike Month, and it’s time to show some love for everyone’s favorite two-wheeled transportation – the bicycle.

Established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month offers an opportunity to showcase the many benefits of biking, from the environmental to the physical and beyond!

But, who is this infamous League? Well, we’re glad you asked!

The League Leads the Way

The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880, originally named the League of American Wheelmen – a nickname common at this time for bike riders, who faced obstacles from wagon drivers to harsh gravel roads.

Nowadays, bike riders unfortunately endure the same struggles (minus the wagon drivers).

Unpaved streets in our constantly congested modern world have brought over 100,000 cyclists to the League to advocate for paved roads, unifying a century’s old community of commuters who are at the forefront for change, leading the movement to create what they call a “Bicycle Friendly America for everyone”.

The goal of the League, at the end of the day, is more of a vision than anything. On the Bike League website, their vision is stated as follows: “A nation where everyone recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling”.

That shouldn’t be too hard, right?

Get Involved, Get Peddling

So, how can you help create a Bike Friendly America? Join the League! Or, if you’d like to ease yourself into the bike-friendly movement, take part in Bike to Work Week from May 15^th to May 19^th or simply commute to work on your favorite two-wheeler on the 19^th to celebrate Bike to Work Day.

Still not ready to strap on that helmet? Here are some reasons to ride:

• Bicycle riding saves money! No more big gas bills.
• Exercise, of course! Bicycling is a fantastic way to work up a sweat, while getting to wherever you need to go!
• Exploration is a must on a bike. Have fun exploring your neighborhood, or go on an adventure to a new location.
• Riding rather than driving is an effective way to make a more positive impact on our environment! A pollution-free mode of transportation? Sign me up!
• Peaceful and at-your-own-pace, bicycling is an excellent way to get out in nature, clear your head, and regroup. Good for the soul.
• Less traffic. Need we say more?

One last tip: Don’t forget to wear your helmet! 

Check out our favorite book on cycling - How Cycling Can Save the World - for more info on the benefits of biking!