May is Bike Month and you could win prizes!

May is National Bike month! This spring is a little different from previous ones, but we still want to encourage you to spend time on your bike. That’s why we’re hosting a weekly cycling challenge. Check out Clean Air Council on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter every week for your next task, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive it right in your inbox. 

The challenge may start slow, but by the end of May you’ll be out safely enjoying your bike all the time. Whether you’re turning to your bike for exercise for the first time in years or want to use biking as a safe way to access essential services, this is for you! 

Before Bike Month starts — and especially if you haven’t been riding much since the pandemic began — give your bike a check up. Check the A B C’s of your bike! 

• Make sure there’s enough Air in your tires
• Check that your Brakes are working properly
• Examine your Chain to ensure it runs smoothly
• And if you have Quick release wheels, make sure the levers are secure!

If your bike is in need of more serious repair, consider calling your local bike shop. Bike shops are essential businesses, but may have limited hours and services. Call your shop for the most up-to-date information!

If you are an essential worker, consider applying to Neighborhood Bike Works’ Bikes for Neighbors program if you need a bicycle. And through May 21st, Indego is offering a discounted monthly membership for only $5 if you need a bike for essential travel.

Before we get rolling, here are some tips to get you and your bike ready to ride! 

Stretch and hydrate before you head out. To minimize touching your face, drink plenty of water before you go on your ride. Even a few minutes of stretching before your ride helps get your muscles warmed up

If you’re looking for trails and parks in or near your neighborhood to visit, GoPhillyGo can help with that! The website is up-to-date with locations that are currently open to the public. Plan your route to be the fastest or flatest, or use the ‘safe’ route to stick to bike lanes and trails whenever possible.

Maintain good social distancing whenever you’re outside your house. As of April 28, this includes wearing a mask and keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Please visit the CDC’s website for the most up-to-date information. 

Now that you’ve learned the A B C’s of you bike, be sure to check them. Then go out for two more rides. If you don’t have a bike — or if a person you live with wants to join in — sign up for Indego’s monthly pass. All this May, you can join for $5.

Participants rode their bikes twice last week — let’s make it three times this week! Try to make one of them a ride to your workplace, even if you’re not working there right now! Use GoPhillyGo to plan your route

Need to catch up on week one? See above!

For week three, go on at least 4 bike rides. Keep practicing your commute or, if not possible, ride of similar distance! Try riding at the times when you would be commuting, wherever you’re riding. 

Make one of your bike rides to or through a local park. If you need help, GoPhillyGo can help you find one. Spending time with trees and greenery is important for your health, too!

Need to catch up on weeks one and two? See above.

This is the final task! Join us in pledging to keep riding after Bike Month ends. Whether that means more rides in the park or commuting on your bike, we want you to keep doing it! Once you’ve made your person pledge, pick three of the following to do this week:

• Ride your bike 5 days in a row
• Practice your bike commute during the morning and evening hours
• Go for a long ride — whatever ‘long’ means to you!
• Ride for an hour with someone you live with
• Bike to an essential service

And that’s it! Thank you for joining us this Bike Month. We hope you enjoyed riding with us 🙂 

Once you’ve gone for your first ride, make sure to log it on our Philly community site at Love to Ride. You can set riding goals for yourself, your group and workplace. Your rides will count towards the National Bike Challenge and enter you in the prize draws to win a new bike and accessories!

Need to catch up on weeks one, two, or three? See above!

Whether you’ve been biking straight through social distancing or barely biked at all, try your hand at Bike Month Bingo! How many of these bingo spaces can you complete? Post your completed bingo card by the end of the month to win prizes! Tag @CleanAirCouncil on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to participate in the challenge. Once you’ve gone for your first ride, make sure to log it on our Philly community site at Love to Ride. You can set riding goals for yourself, your group and workplace. Your rides will count towards the National Bike Challenge and enter you in the prize draws to win a new bike and accessories!