May is Bike Month
There are two weeks left of the May Bike Month Challenge and it’s not too late to register! How can a bike challenge help us move towards a more sustainable Philadelphia? Nationally, transportation is responsible for almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing just one of your quick drives with a bike ride can have a big impact on reducing pollution and improving air quality, especially if it becomes a habit.
In 2022, The Department of Energy reported that 52% of car trips are for distances under 3 miles and 28% of total trips are to destinations under a mile away. You don’t have to go far to contribute towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for all.
To encourage more cyclists to get out on the road, Clean Air Council partners with Indego, Philly’s bike share program, and Love to Ride, a global biking advocate, to host bike challenges in May and September every year. Participants register, log rides, and are automatically entered into drawings for cash prizes, including this Spring’s grand prize of a $2500 Visa gift card.
Biking is not only a sustainable mode of transportation it also boasts physical and mental health benefits, preventing cardiovascular disease and reducing stress. If you don’t own a bike, Indego has you covered! Philadelphia’s bike-share has over 250 stations throughout the city where you can rent a manual or electric bike and ride to popular events and places. Enjoy 75% off your first month with code INDEPRO24 up until May 31st.
You don’t just have to bike for a work commute. There are several accessible biking trails and exciting places to experience in Philadelphia. GoPhillyGo is a mobile friendly site with destination ideas and biking routes to get you out and having fun while reaping all of the benefits biking has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite trips:
- Take a ride along the river on the Schuylkill River Trail and stop by Fairmount Waterworks to view the falls. Take a break at the Cosmic Café and Ciderhouse or continue riding up scenic Kelly Drive.
- Parks on Tap is in full swing at a different park location every weekend this month. It’s a great way to visit greenspaces throughout the city.
- Want to go a bit further out into nature? Take a ride on the Wissahickon Valley Park Trail.
As a way to incentivize taking just one trip – GoPhillyGo will be giving away a swag bag to one lucky Bike Challenge participant in Philadelphia, and all you have to do is log a single ride. So join the challenge today and let’s make every ride count!
