Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Team-Up with everybodyBIKE

by Theresa Carpine4/16/2009 11:10:43 AM

A fun part of the spring cleaning ritual (for me, at least) is pulling the bike out of the garage, wiping off the spider webs, and pumping up the tires to get ready for riding around town. I’m definitely a “fair-weather bicyclist,” but, luckily, fair-weather in Bellingham rolls in just in time for National Bike Month in May.

Team-Up for National Bike Month!

And even better for Whatcom County residents is the resource everybodyBIKE, a bicycle education program for riders of all ages and abilities. They offer a variety of free opportunities for you and your family to become confident riders and even reward riders for their car-free commutes.

EverybodyBIKE hosts a variety of bike classes throughout the year where riders can learn basic bike maintenance and confidence when riding on the road. Bicycle Safety for Kids and Parents is a great program for families with kids ages 8 to 12. The class includes an indoor session for learning and an outdoor session to practice safety maneuvers and other skills. Moms might also be interested in Women Only Bike Maintenance Classes, which is offered several times throughout the spring at The Hub Community Bike Shop. Check the everybodyBIKE Calendar to find out about all upcoming programs.

You can also look for the everybodyBIKE booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market on Saturdays in April to find the best biking routes for you and your family on your way to work or school. Free or low cost helmets will also be available for order at the booth. This is a great opportunity to have a bike specialist give your bike and helmet a once over to check for proper fit.

Need some motivation to making a bike commune part of your daily routine? All year round, adults can keep track of trips made by biking, walking, riding the bus, or ridesharing with Whatcom Smart Trips. Participants are rewarded with discounts at over 100 local businesses, gift certificates, and eligibility in prize drawing.

And to celebrate National Bike Month, you and your family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends can participate in Team-Up for everybodyBIKE. All ages are eligible and the only requirement is to make at least three bicycling or walking trips during May for the chance to win prizes. Register your team (4-6 members) online or fill out and return the Team Leader Form.

If you register a team, don’t miss the Kick-Off Reception at Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen on April 30 at 5 PM. Appetizers will be provided at this event that is oriented forward adults; kids are welcome when accompanied by a supervising adult.

The highlight of National Bike Month is Bike to Work and School Day on Friday, May 15. Stop by a “Celebration Station” at locations around the county on your morning ride to get your “I Biked” sticker and enjoy refreshments and prizes.

Find all about these great resources and events at everybodyBIKE or call (360) 671-BIKE. You can also visit Neighborhood-Kids.com Activities to find upcoming bike events for kids and families. Happy bicycling!

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU in 2006 with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.