May 13 launches the two-wheeler week
A celebration wrapped around the most efficient mode of
transportation ever invented begins Sunday, May 13 in San Benito
County.
May 13 launches the two-wheeler week
A celebration wrapped around the most efficient mode of transportation ever invented begins Sunday, May 13 in San Benito County.
The 13th annual Bike Week is part of a region-wide effort to get people to consider alternative transportation, according to Veronica Lezama of the county Rideshare program, who coordinates the local effort.
The message Lezama and volunteers are spreading is clear: sharing rides, taking public transit, pedaling or walking can be realistic ways to get around. Alternative transporation typically costs less, leaves roads and highways less crowded, reduces pollution and often has health advantages.
Lezama is quick to acknowledge that it’s not for everyone, so this year the effort has a new focus.
“So many residents commute outside [the county] that it’s hard to bike to work, so this year, our focus is the schools,” Lezama said.
On Thursday, May 17, four local elementary schools are participating in Bike to School Day, Lezama said. Students riding their own wheels to school at Calaveras, Gabilan Hills, R.O. Hardin and Sunnyslope can stop off for a free breakfast and enter a drawing for a new bike.
The same day, adults cycling to work can stop for a free breakfast at the Briggs lawn at Fourth and San Benito streets from 6:30-9:30 a.m. as part of Bike to Work Day.
Bike Week is the product of six months of planning, Lezama said, and much of the effort depends on volunteers. People who would like to pitch in this year or next, may call her office at 637-7665.
Other events during the week include Bike to Church Day this Sunday, May 13. Off the Chain Bikes on Tres Pinos Road is inviting newcomers to join the regulars on its weekly rides at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Business staffs may wish to enter the Commuter Bike Challenge. The local business with the greatest percentage of employees riding to work on Thursday wins a free lunch for participating employees.
County Express riders get 25 cents off any ride if they ride a bike to the bus stop.
“We put racks on the buses a few years ago and they are really being used,” Lezama said.
Bike Week is part of Clean Air Month. Anyone who commits to using an alternative to driving alone at least four times during May is eligible to enter a drawing for $1,000 cash. Participants may register by calling 637-7665 or by going online to www.cleanairmonth.net.
Further information on Bike Week is available by surfing to www.bike2work.com.
