Time to take the bike out of the garage, fill the tires with air and enjoy the of sun and beautiful Whidbey scenery. May is National Bike Month, and the city of Oak Harbor, Island County and a handful of local businesses hope to provide a little incentive this year.
A new group called Like2Bike Whidbey encourages everyone “to ride to work or play, everyday in May.” The Campaign, sponsored by North Whidbey Parks and Recreation, offer “Un-Driver’s License” holders a free pass to the pool.
Pledge to bike more often and receive your “Un-Drivers License” and free pool pass at the Sustainability Fair, Sunday May 3 at the Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island Campus.
Biking to and from work, errands and play provides environmental, health and financial benefits, Maribeth Crandell, Oak Harbor’s environmental educator said.
“Every mile travelled by bike instead of a car keeps one pound of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere,” she said. “If Americans substituted even one of every five car trips with a bike, each driver would reduce their carbon footprint by about one ton a year.”
Environmental health benefits the community, but biking can improve an individual’s health, too, she said.
“Over 66 percent of adult Americans are overweight and 32 percent are obese,” she said, adding that one in ever four children are overweight.
According to the U.S. Health Department Surgeon General extra weight may lead to premature death, type two diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, breathing problems, various cancers and high cholesterol, among other ailments.
“Bicycle commuting is a great way to work in physical exercise with your daily routine,” Crandell said, adding that exercise is an known mood-booster. “Riding a bike stimulates circulation, relieves stress, and allows creative thought and a positive attitude to thrive.”
The most alluring incentive to bike in today’s economy may be the financial benefits.
“Bicycling is an inexpensive way to get around,” she said. “You could also save money on gas, oil, insurance and medical expenses.”
The purchase of a bicycle is a relatively cheep transportation investment that doubles as entertainment. Check garage sales or thrift stores for a good deal on used rides, or check out a cycle shop.
Take advantage of the Sustainability Fair this weekend to pick through a truck full of beater bikes for free parts, courtesy of Island County Recycling.
After a big sustainability-focussed Sunday, biker-commuters can grab a free bite of breakfast to go from Albertson’s, Monday, May 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
And don’t forget your “Un-Drivers License.”
