National Bike Month has existed for fifty-five years. It began as American Bike Month, but the name was shortened to just Bike Month in 1956. With the name change the focus of Bike Month was shifted from selling bicycles to promoting cycling and safe bicycling.
In 2013, Bike to Work Week takes place from May 13th through May 17th. Friday, May 17th is also Bike to work Day in 2013. The League of American Bicyclist recommends 5 steps for better bike riding. They are as follows:
- Follow the Rules of the Road
- Be Visible (Ride where drivers can see you.)
- Be Predictable (Ride in a straight line.)
- Anticipate Conflicts (Be extra alert.)
- Wear a Helmet (Make sure it fits on top of the head and doesn’t tip back or forward.)
The League of American Bicyclists website provides information about riding bikes with children, tandem bicycles, emergency maneuvers, mountain biking, and more. They also offer tips for buying a child’s bike. The tips include how to choose the proper size for a child’s bike, which type of brakes are right for children, and the proper use of training wheels.
Dozens of cities across America have been designated as Bicycle Friendly Cities. Cities like Lakeland, Florida are evaluated to see if they provide bike riders with segregated bike lanes. The League evaluates whether police officers are trained in bicycle laws. They want to know if the city communicates with the public regarding bike laws. Bicycle friendly cities must encourage cycling through bike clubs or programs. Finally, The League of American Bicyclists looks at whether the city considers cyclists when development is taking place.
To make the Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities list, a city must support a vibrant and diverse bike culture. It must have smart, savvy bike shops that sell a variety of bikes. Besides the traditional bicycle, there are dozens of new, innovative cycles. There are road bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, and more.
The MoBo Cruise in Style is an example innovation in cycle design. The Mobo Triton is a three wheeled cruiser for children and adults. Unlike traditional bicycles, the Mobo Triton sits low to the ground, which makes it safe to ride. The Mobo Triton has an adjustable frame, making it comfortable for riders of various heights. It may be a nice alternative for individuals with physical limitations or handicaps. Anyone that has trouble balancing a traditional bike can enjoy the Mobo Triton with virtually no balancing problems.
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