May is National Bike Month. Take the challenge by biking to work!
Richland Public Health’s Communities Preventing Chronic Disease Program invites the public to take part in National Bike to Work Week, May 15 through May 19. In partnership with Richland Moves!, OhioHealth, and Linden Road Presbyterian Church, the featured events throughout the week are focused on bike safety and awareness, all leading up to Bike to Work Day on May 19. In an effort to build a more bike-friendly community, this annual event is a step towards encouraging an active lifestyle.
Why bike to work?
- It’s a gym on wheels. You can get your daily physical activity without setting aside extra time just for exercise. The average person loses 13 pounds the first year of commuting by bike, in addition to decreasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
- It reduces stress. Bike commuters are 40% less tense in the hour after arriving at work than those who drive.
- It’s good for the environment. A daily 4-mile commute will save about 66 gallons of fuel per year. Bike commuting can also save on parking fees, parking tickets, fuel costs, auto maintenance costs and transit fares.
- It’s fun! Bicycling is an accessible means of physical activity for all ages. When used for travel to school or work it can seamlessly incorporate exercise into daily life.
Here’s the schedule for the week:
Tuesday, May 16 — On-Road Small Group Bicycle Training — 10:00 AM to Noon at OhioHealth Ontario Fitness Center, 1750 West Fourth Street
Join our experienced and traffic-trained cyclists to build your street riding skills. RSVP to 419-774-4740 (first preference for sign-ups to OhioHealth employees)
Wednesday, May 17 — On-Road Small Group Bicycle Training — 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at OhioHealth Mansfield, 335 Glessner Ave.
Join our experienced and traffic trained cyclists to build your street riding skills. RSVP to 419-774-4740
Thursday, May 18 — Social Ride with Richland Moves — 6:00 PM Meet at the bike racks in the municipal lot across from Carrousel
Friday, May 19th — Bike to Work Day
Is work too far for you to commute by bike? Park your car at the Linden Road Presbyterian Church location (160 South Linden Road, Mansfield) and ride your bike the rest of the way into work. Pick up your “swag bag” at Linden Road Presbyterian Church. Bags have healthy snacks and other goodies, including your 2017 “Bike to Work” reflective bike sticker.
For more information, call Reed Richmond, Health Educator, at Richland Public Health, (419) 774-4726, or email: [email protected].
