After the long winter, spring has finally arrived! The Bike Michiana Coalition announces that May is National Bike Month and May 13th through 19th is Michiana Bike to Work Week. The goal of this week is to encourage everyone to park the car for the week and to use the bike to get to work and run errands throughout Michiana.
Riders can sign up to participate in a Corporate Commuting Challenge. Riders can either join as an individual or form a team and record their miles to win community pride at www.michianabiketowork.org. Participants can begin recording their mileage starting at May 13th through May 19th.
In addition to the challenge, riders can participate in a number of scheduled activities.
To start off the week, Michiana Bicycle Association is hosting a special Bike to Work Week Leisure Ride. It will start at 6:00 pm on Monday May 14th from the Brick at 1145 Northside Blvd near the South Bend Farmer’s Market. The Leisure Ride is gear for casual riders who want to ride with other bicyclist.
A free Organic Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by 1st Source Bank and LaSalle Grill, will be on Tuesday May 15th. This year, it has been moved to the former College Football Hall of Fame. It free to all bicyclists and begins at 7:00 am and runs through 9:00 am. Local elected officials and ordinary bicyclists will join together sharing a great breakfast in support of local bicycling initiatives.
For a mid-week boost, join a Lunchtime Downtown Walk+Bike on Wednesday May 16th. Meet at Leighton Plaza downtown at 12:15 pm for a short walk or bike ride on South Bend’s Smart Streets.
PEGGS is offering bicyclists a great deal on Thursday May 17th. If you arrive on bike, you will receive 20% off your meal. Stop in and check it out.
To finish the week, will be the first Elkhart Bike to Work Day on Friday May 18th with a free breakfast, sponsored by 1st Source Bank at the Elkhart Civic Plaza starting at 7:00 am. While your eating, get a free bicycle tuning and opportunities for prizes and giveaways. After work, join Bike Elkhart for an evening bike ride starting at Lechya Da Brewing at 6:30 pm. Plan for socializing with fellow cyclist before the ride starts.
No matter what you are doing, trying getting there by bike during Michiana Bike to Work Week! More information about Bike to Work Week activities and team registration can be found at www.michianabiketoworkweek.org or at the Michiana Bike to Work Facebook page.