May is NATIONAL Bike Month

There are so Many benefits to riding a bike. Bicycling contributes to a healthy lifestyle, while also reducing pollution and keeping money in your pockets if you decided to bike instead of driving.
The State of Wisconsin ranks #9 as a bicycle friendly State, with 17 Bicycle Friendly Communities, 57 Bicycle Friendly Businesses and 6 Bicycle Friendly Universities. I would say that is freaking Awesome! The State made the list because for the following reasons:

• ​Businesses have bike programs for their employees
• Bicycle Friendly Laws & Ordinances
• Bike Month and Bike to Work Events 
• Bicycle Education available in some Schools
• Roads with Bicycle Facilities​​

And many more reasons.  

As Exciting as bicycling may be it doesn't come without safety risk.  We must discuss bicycle safety.
Understand traffic laws- In some States it is illegal to ride your bike on the sidewalk, thus you may be subject to the same traffic rules as motorist. Before entering traffic, stop look left, then right then left again and over your shoulder.  Make sure you use hand signals when turning and proceed with extra caution.  Ride in a single file and watch out for opening car doors.
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Wear Properly Fitted Gear- Helmets are not one size fit all! Learn how your helmet shoud fit you, go into a Bicycle shop and get fitted for a Helmet. Helmets reduce brain injuiries by 58%. Do not wear overly loose clothing to avoid clothes getting caught in the bike moving parts. Proper shoes will depend upon your bike pedals and don't forget fingerless gloves.

Check Your Bike- Does your bike properly fit you? Yes Bikes can be either too small or too big for you. Stand over your bike there should only be 1-2 inches (road bike) or 3-4 inches (mountain bike) between you and the top bar Ensure your bike have reflectors on pedals, spokes, front and back. Are your tires properly inflated? Brakes working? Do these things prior to riding your bike. Get your biked tuned up Yearly.

Control Your Bicycle- Know your bike capabilities, always ride wih at least one hand on the handlebars.

Avoid Night Riding- Your danger as a rider increases at night as it is harder for others to see you. If you can't avoid riding at Night make sure you wear reflective clothing so that you increase your chances of being seen by others.
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Wear Bright Clothing- At anytime of the day you need to be seen by others. Wearing fluorescent, neon, and bright colors is better then just wearing plain white. Reflective tape, markings and flashing lights will help, again avoid riding at night.
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Its not too late to get your tickets to the Wisconsin Bicycling Hall of Fame Inaugural Gala Friday, May 5th, 2017, 6pm, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.