May is Bike Month!
Biking isn't just for kids and speed racers. There are tons of benefits to riding your bike, including for your mind, body, community and planet! We are sure you'll find a wheely compelling reason to bicycle so keep reading to learn more.
Learn
Did you know that about 40% of all trips made in the U.S. are less than 2 miles? That's a perfect distance for biking. However, many of us don't use our bikes for transportation on a regular basis. There are several reasons for this.
Individuals may not have access to a bike or a place to ride where they feel safe. They might not know how to ride a bike. There may not be a good place to store or lock your bike once you arrive at your destination, or maybe it's a one way trip.
But when we’re out in the world pedaling around, we’re happier, healthier and more deeply connected to the people and places within our neighborhoods. Biking is good for our mind, body, community, environment and wallet!
The most compelling reason to bike is it's fun! Riding a bike on the Prairie Path or anywhere certainly brings more joy than sitting in traffic. You can let your thoughts roam free as you enjoy the fresh air, sun, and breeze.
Biking also means less cars on the road, which means less traffic and road wear and tear, as well as less emissions and air pollution.
It is healthy and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.
Biking connects our communities. Cruise by on your bike, smile and say “Hi!” to more people — meeting your neighbors improves our community.
Biking is wonderful for the planet. The car can be a sensory depriving experience! You can better see trees, smell flowers, hear birds and simply enjoy nature.
Biking is very budget friendly. There's no gas, and compared to a car, bikes are inexpensive to buy and maintain. Plus parking is free!
Illinois is a bike friendly (not to mention flat!) state with lots of resources to support cyclists. We have groups like the Active Transportation Alliance who are working to increase safe bicycle access. There's also a local group working to create a new bike path along the East Branch DuPage River Trail.
Do
Actions You Can Take
Now you know biking is great for you, the planet, Glen Ellyn, and your wallet! Here are some more resources to check out:
We listened to an awesome podcast called "Make Biking Cool (again)!" from the podcast series "How to Save a Planet." The podcast argues that part of the reason people don't bike is because biking isn't as "cool" as cars! It offers a history of how this happened and ways we can incorporate biking into our lives.
Come to the Glen Ellyn Bike Rodeo on May 20! Kids will learn about bicycle safety and rules of the road through fun drills and activities at multiple stations. Participants must bring their own bike and wear a fitted bike helmet. Go Green will be tabling at this event!
The nonprofit AdaptAbility works to get adaptive bicycles in the hands of U.S. children with disabilities who could not otherwise afford them. Check them out.
In our research for this newsletter, we were intrigued to learn about a roadside assistance service company that covers cars AND bicycles. Disclaimer - we do not (yet) use this service, but they are a Certified B corp, provide 100% carbon neutral services, and also provide discounts for electric & hybrid vehicles. We are planning to learn more! Check out Better World Club - and let us know what you think!
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