May is National Bike Month in Berkeley

With the weather starting to improve, spending time outdoors becomes a priority. And whether you're a seasoned bicyclist or haven't pedaled on two wheels since childhood, we invite you to bust out your bike and enjoy the fresh, spring air.

After all, May is National Bike Month, and there are a bunch of ways you can use two wheels to get stuff done, or just to enjoy some low-impact exercise. Cycling can be a great activity between friends, family, or roommates. It's great exercise and can reduce stress. It can also save you money on gas or public transportation, if you live close enough to work that you can bike.

And, of course, biking has no carbon footprint, so it's good for the environment!

If you're interested in participating in National Bike Month, browse this searchable map, which will point you toward local bike shops, cycling groups, events, and more! If you're feeling particularly ambitious, try organizing a local cycling event. Here's a guide for planning an event, if you so please.

There's also Bike to Work Week, from May 12 to May 16, culminating with Bike to Work Day on Friday:

One of the league's sponsored activities is Bike to Work Week. Culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday, people are encouraged to leave their fuel-burning vehicles in the driveway and enjoy the warming weather on a bicycle to and from work instead, if possible.

According to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the share of Americans commuting by bike has grown by 47 percent since 2000, according to the league's website. Additionally, more than half of the U.S. lives within 5 miles of their workplace.

Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. It's sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. 

In 2013, more than 30,000 riders logged almost 19 million miles in the second year of the online competition. In 2014, the group is aiming for 50,000 riders to pedal more than 30 million miles between May 1 and September 30.

Click here for more information on National Bike Month, on Berkeley Patch!