National Bike Month - May 2009

The year 2009 marks the 53rd consecutive year the League of American Bicyclists has declared May to be National Bike Month TM. In support of the League, the City of Auburn promoted Bike-to-Work/ Bike-to-School Week from May 11 - 15 and Bike-to-Work/Bike-to-School Day on Friday, May 15.

The bicycle is a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent form of recreation. The Auburn Bicycle Committee, local schools, the Auburn Parks and Recreation department, local police officers and the bike patrol, along with hospitals, companies and civic groups throughout the state promoted bicycling as a wholesome leisure activity as well as an environmentally-friendly alternative to the automobile during the month of May, 2009.

Many great events were available to support bicycling awareness and safety throughout the entire month of May! Here is the list of exciting activities that were available to the citizens of Auburn: Saturday, May 2nd: The 10th anniversary Bike Bash! In conjunction with National Bike Month, the City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee hosted the 10th Anniversary of Bike Bash on Saturday, May 2. Ten years ago Bike Bash was created in order to provide a community event designed at informing citizens about bicycle safety and to promote biking as a fun and healthful leisure activity. Over the years biking enthusiasts, families with little cyclists and those simply interested in getting fit have attended and supported this popular community event. For more information about this and past Bike Bashes, click on the following link.

Monday, May 4th through Friday, May 29th: Students from Auburn University's Associate Professor Christopher McNulty's sculpture class displayed kinetic bicycle sculptures, made out of bicycle parts and other materials during Bike Bash. Citizens had a chance to vote for the "Best in Show," which was displayed at Auburn City Hall during the month of May. The remaining sculptures were on display in the 3D Arts Building gallery on the Auburn University campus. More information available here.

Tuesday, May 5th: The award for "Outstanding Friend to the Auburn Bicycling Committee" was presented at the Auburn City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 5th. This year's winner is Prestige Properties. For more information on previous winners, please follow this link.

Monday, May 11th through Friday, May 15th: Bike to Work/Bike to School week was celebrated throughout the week, encouraging students, families, and commuters to utilize the bicycle as a form of transportation and recreation.

Friday, May 15th: Bike to School Competition. Each homeroom class in grades 1-5 was encouraged to ride their bicycles to school on May 15. The homeroom with the most riders received an ice cream social courtesy of the Auburn Bicycle Committee.

Saturday, May 16th: Samford Bike Lanes Dedication Ceremony - On Saturday May 16th, 2009 Auburn's newest bicycle accommodations was showcased along the recently constructed Samford Avenue extension. This new street features a bike lane along each side of the road as well as a sidewalk for pedestrians. At 8 am, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held. Following the ribbon cutting, a tour of Auburn by bike with the "Bike and Breakfast" riders took place while others simply rode the new bike lanes and headed home. "Bike and Breakfast" is a no-drop ride that accommodates any and all riders. At the end of the ride is a stop at a local breakfast venue for a little socialization and food.

All May: In addition to the above mentioned activities, throughout the month of May, coupons from Bruster's, ColdStone Creamery, Marble Slab, Sonic, TCBY, and AMF Auburn Lanes were distributed to citizens seen practicing safe bicycling skills and/or commuting to work or school.