May has officially been dubbed Bike Everywhere Month, and Seattle's pushing the pedal to the metal. It's time to break out those bikes and hit the streets, as the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) urges everyone to saddle up for a greener commute. According to the SDOT blog, a whole roster of resources and events are lined up to support bikers of all stripes.
The city's comprehensive Seattle by Bike Guide is one tool to get you to quickly start spinning those wheels. It's packed with tips on prepping your ride, planning your route, and the nuts and bolts of bike maintenance. Now, if you're bike-less, worry not. Seattle offers bike and scooter share options, ready to roll. Rates vary, but most companies charge a buck to unlock, and roughly 42-45 cents per minute on top of that—discounts are available for qualifying riders.
For those who want to avoid adding to their bruise collection, a helmet is a smart choice. You can scoop up a free helmet at any of six Seattle Customer Service Centers. When it comes to bike health, ensure you're riding safely by doing your "ABC Quick Check" – air, brakes, and chains – before every journey, as outlined in SDOT's blog post.
Seattle isn’t just trying to get more people on two wheels for their health. It turns out cycling slashes carbon emissions and SDOT is on a mission to completely neutralize Seattle's carbon footprint. This city has been methodically building a network of protected bike lanes, funded by the Levy to Move Seattle, which are intended to make biking safer and more accessible for everyone. Outdoors for All collaborates with SDOT during the summer to offer FREE adaptive bike rentals, catering to riders with different abilities, as indicated in the SDOT statement.
This month is jam-packed with community biking events too. Whether you're an old pro or just learning to cycle, there are plenty of opportunities to join in. So, dig out that helmet, inflate those tires to just the right pressure, and embrace the bike life. With the city's support and the comprehensive resources available, it's a chance for Seattleites to pedal their way to a healthier body and a healthier planet.
