Image by Courtesy of Joel SchoolingImage by 20090505-bike.jpg
May is National Bike Month and we have the line-up of events to help you get involved.
Read more stories on this subject in our bike topic page.Normally we'd elaborate to tell you all about the event and what it's for, but we think this one's pretty obvious: To promote biking!
- May 5: Charleston Bike Census Day: The City of Charleston planning department will be organizing volunteers to county bicyclist in downtown Charleston. For more information, call (843) 724-3788.
- May 12: Bike Month Proclamation: Mayor Riley and the City Council will pass a resolution proclaiming the month of May as Bicycle Month in the City of Charleston.
- May 13: GreenDrinks Bike Valet: Join the monthly GreenDrinks social networking event and have the Holy City Bike Co-op park your bike for you at Yo Burrito, 77 Wentworth Street.
- May 15: Bike to Work Day: If you have ever thought about bike commuting to work, this is your day. There will be bike commuter rest stops complete with refreshments and a bicycle safety checks on Savannah Hwy, West Ashley Greenway, King St. East Bay St., and Calhoun St.
- May 15: Charleston Cycle Chic is hosting a three-mile leisure ride starting at noon in Marion Square.
- May 20: Bicycle Friendly Community Task Force Meeting: To learn about the efforts being made in Charleston to promote and improve bicycling, join this meeting from 9-11am at the Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street.
- May 20: National Ride of Silence: Annual event to raise awareness of bicycle safety while also remembering riders who were killed on the road. Learn more.
- May 27: City of Charleston Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting: To share your thoughts and ideas, join this meeting at 5:30pm at the Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.
- May 29: Evolution Arts Festival Opening: Bike over to this mulit-media art event and Holy City Bike Co-op will park your bike for you. They will have children’s art, graffiti, and music.
- May 30: Holy City Bike Co-op Fundraiser at Recovery Room from 8-11pm.
- May 31: Suicide King Alleycat: City-wide scavenger hunt with bikes. For more information visit the website.
Biking Resources in Charleston:
Charleston Moves is an organization that promotes bicycling, walking, running, and public transportation in the Lowcountry. Visit their Web site for helpful hits, how to get involved, and to get connected to others in your area.
The Holy City Bike Co-op is a bicycling advocacy group that provides hands-on workshops, bike valet for special events, and provides social bike opportunities like night rides and social gatherings. For more information or to sign up for their newsletter visit their Web site.
Other ongoing biking opportunities include:
Hampton Park Open Streets: Every Saturday 8am- 12noon and Tuesdays/Thursdays 6 to 8 p.m. the 1 mile circuit street around Hampton Park is closed to automobiles to allow bicycling, walking, running and roller-blading. Great for exercising, training or just enjoying a safe, car-free environment.
Third Annual Daniel Island Kids Triathlon: Sign-up during May for the June 20 bike, swim and run for ages 7 through 14. Registration deadline is June 12. Learn more.
Coastal Cyclist’s Organized Rides – Every weekend Coastal Cyclist organizes rides throughout the lowcountry. To learn more about joining a ride club, becoming a member or getting a ride map visit their Web site.
Last year, I decided to give up my car and try to just use my bicycle and public transportation to get around. If you are interesting in learning more, you can check out our story or check out my blog.
