National Bike Month

Every wonder why those Scandinavians are so damn svelte and sexy with those gorgeous gams? Because they ride their bikes everywhere—to the market, to the train station, to Tivoli gardens, in the rain, in the snow, in the midnight sun.  It’s a country of peddling maniacs. In an attempt to get Americans into the action, The League of American Bicyclists has declared May as National Bike Month. Various communities (especially San Francisco) have embraced the concept and specific days during the week have been designated as “Ride Your Bike to Work” day.  Not only will this green endeavor reduce the carbon footprint, riding is also good for your heart and psyche.  During the lifetime of your car, it produces another 1.3 billion cubic yards of polluted air and scatters an additional 40 pounds of worn tire particles, brake debris and worn road surface into the atmosphere. Yuck.  So it also figures some savvy Scandinavians–Clear Channel Outdoor in Norway–started the SmartBike program last summer in DC after great success in Europe. Racks with bikes for rent have been installed around the city—members of Smartbike pay a $40 annual fee and can take the bikes for three hours at a time and for an unlimited number of trips a day.  The successful program continues to expand in 2009.  Not in D.C.? Plenty of bike rental shops exist in every town.  To find a place near you, check out: Rent A Bike. So put some pedal to the metal and get out there and cycle this May and beyond!