By Lisa Hardy

Environmental Planner

There are lots of great reasons to bike: get exercise, save gas and cash, avoid the stress of driving, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and receive Bike Commuter Tax Benefit .

May is National Bike Month, and you'll find no shortage of events, reasons and excuses to get out on your bike. For 55 years, National Bike Month has been a movement to get people biking more and more safely!  Yet, the US bike movement has been around longer than that! Back in 1880, the League of American Bicyclists was founded as the League of American Wheelmen. Over time the Wheelmen became the League of American Bicyclists, all along advocating for cyclists rights. Bike improvements over the years have been monumental, and whatever your need is, you'll be able to find the perfect bike for you.

Check out the League’s great resources on bike safety , bike selection and fit , bike maintenance,  and more!
Virginia has a

very active bicycle advocacy group, the Virginia Bicycling Federation . The VBF website has great information about road rides and trail rides in Virginia, safety tips, and advocacy work.

Get Rolling with Local Hampton Roads Bike Month Events:
 
Check out rides in Norfolk at www.NorfolkBikeMonth.com

Bike Fest Norfolk

On May 21, the City of Norfolk celebrates BikeFest , an afternoon festival with bike permitting by Norfolk Police Department, free bike tune-ups, bike safety demonstrations, free giveaways, free bike raffles, musical entertainment, food vendors, local bike retailers, local bike organizations, light rail safety, games, and a scenic ride down the Elizabeth River Trail, followed by free valet bike parking at Harbor Park for a Tides game with fireworks! More events listed at NorfolkBikeMonth.com!

Williamsburg Area Bicyclists

A bike ride/event is scheduled for every day of the month in the scenic, historic Williamsburg, VA area! Marquis events are Family rides on The Virginia Capital Trail (May 21), and the Williamsburg Winery ride and dinner (May 27). Go to wabonline.org for details.

Virginia Beach’s 3rd Annual Bayside History Day Bike Tour
Saturday, May 21, 9 am to 2:30 pm

An 11 mile loop starting and ending at the Bayside Public Library and including five stops at historic points along the way.  Lynnhaven River Now and the Tidewater Bicycle Association are co-sponsoring a guided tour by bike of historic homes, farms and churches along the Lynnhaven River.  This is an 11 mile, family-paced ride.  A lunch and drinks will be provided.  Helmets are required.

The cost is $20 and includes a box lunch, drinks and all entrance fees.  Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register for this fun event, call our office at 757-

962-5398 or email Chase@lynnhaven2007.com or visit our website at www.LRNow.org .