“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride,” U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said.  This month, experience the joy he experienced by hitting the road during National Bike Month. Bicycling is not only a fun leisure activity, it is also an excellent way to commute, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your cardiovascular health. Try one of the following suggestions or share your favorite way to celebrate National Bike Month in the comments below.

Participate in Bay State Bike Week (May 11-19)

• In conjunction with National Bike Month, the Department of Transportation teams up with MassRIDES and MassBike to present Bay State Bike Week from May 11-19. Events including road races, safety demonstrations, and free bike rentals take place across the Commonwealth; find an event near you. Also, anyone can plan an event for Bay State Bike Week and submit it to the online calendar. Check out this event planning guide for suggestions and instructions.

Bike to Work Day (May 17)

• Studies show that active people take fewer sick days and are more productive. On May 17, skip the car and cycle to work. Did you know that you can take your bike on the T? The MBTA encourages commuting via bicycle and understands that you may need to spend a portion of that commute on public transit. They’ve issued a pamphlet called “Bikes and the MBTA” to help you reach your destination safely.

Explore new places to ride

• The Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains many popular bike trails throughout the Commonwealth. Spend some time getting to know Massachusetts on two wheels along one of the state’s many rail trails, old train tracks that have been converted to bike paths. Find a trail near you or go further afield for a mini “day-cation.” Discover your options at MassVacation.com.

Be sure to obey all traffic laws and wear a helmet when cycling. Wearing a helmet will help protect you from serious injuries in the event of an accident and is required by law for anyone under the age of 16 operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, scooter, in-line skates, skateboard, or other manually propelled vehicle. For tips on sharing the road with motorists, take a look at “Same Roads. Same Rules.” from the Department of Transportation.

Join the conversation: Where do you like to ride?

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Tags: activity, Bay State, Bay State Bike Week, Bicycle, Bicycling, Bike, Bike week, commute, cycling, earth, environment, exercise, fun, health, leisure, National Bike Month, nature, transportation, travel