The year 2008 will mark the 52nd consecutive year the League of American Bicyclists has declared May to be National Bike Month. 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 will promote bicycling as a wholesome leisure activity as well as an environmentally-friendly alternative to the automobile during the month of May, 2008. Don't miss out on your chance to participate in this great recreational activity and support bicycling awareness and safety throughout the entire month of May! Exciting activities throughout the month of May include:

Thursday May 1 | Launch of Bicycle Loaner Program | In recognition of National Bike Month, the City of Auburn will launch the Bicycle Loaner Program on May 1st, 2008. This program will provide a bicycle and helmet to citizens and visitors for a two week period for the purpose of commuting and recreational activities. To promote this program, we will also host one ride a week during the month of May. Each ride will begin at 5:30 pm with a brief 10-15 minute discussion of bicycling related issues and the routes will stay only on dedicated bike facilities or low volume residential streets for comfort and safety. These rides will accommodate beginning cyclists at a slow to moderate pace and flexible distance options. These are group rides so no rider will be left behind. These are a perfect opportunity for people considering cycling for fitness or recreation but still unsure if it is right for them. We can provide individuals with a bicycle and helmet and assist them with their individual challenges to determine if cycling is a viable option to meet their needs. The ride schedule is as follows:

Monday May 5th: Discussion of "Beginning Bicycling" to include choosing a bike, adjusting seat height/handlebars, etc to fit you, shifting gears and checking brakes, etc. It will end with an optional 5 minute hands-on demo of how to change a flat tire. Start Location: New Auburn Tennis Center on Richland Road. This ride will highlight the new off-road facility on Richland Road and may continue through the Cotswold's and Willow Creek subdivisions to the Highway 14 Bikeway and back depending on the skill levels present.
Monday May 12th: Discussion of "Trail Etiquette" to include staying right, announcing presence when approaching from rear, and other important skills. Start Location: Charlotte and Curtis Ward (CCW) east trailhead. This ride will highlight the CCW path and may continue up Wright's Mill Road to Ogletree Road and back depending on the skill levels present.
Monday May 19th: Discussion of "Riding with Traffic" to include riding with traffic not on sidewalks, hand signals, obeying signage/signals, where to ride in the lane (right, left, or middle). Start Location: Auburn High School. This ride will highlight the streets of Auburn Floral Trail so it should provide some beautiful and fragrant foliage. Length is adjustable depending on skill levels present.
Monday May 26th: Discussion of "Commuting" to include what you need, how far, feasibility, and other considerations. Start Location: Cary Woods Elementary School. This ride will highlight the Cary Woods Subdivision and may continue into downtown depending on skill levels present.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program should contact Brandy Ezelle at 501-3029.

Saturday May 3 | 7:30 a.m. | Bike and Breakfast | Auburn High School: The Bike and Breakfast Ride leaves from Auburn High School every Saturday morning at 7:30 am. The pace is relaxed to suit all abilities and ends at a local restaurant for food and fellowship. The complete routes are 15-20 miles on local roads, but there are always shorter options for those who want them.

Tuesday May 6th | Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. will sign a proclamation in honor of National Bike Month and the Auburn Bicycle Committee will present its Friend of the Committee Award at the City Council Meeting.

Monday May 12th -Friday, May 16th | Bike-to-Work/Bike-to-School Week | This is a great opportunity to enjoy the Spring weather and try bicycle commuting whether to school or work. All 4th graders will compete on Friday, May 16th for the homeroom with the most riders and the winner will receive an Ice Cream Party courtesy of the Auburn Bicycle Committee. This year our winners were from Mrs. William's class at Ogletree Elementary...congratulations!

Wednesday May 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Ride of Silence  | Lee County Courthouse  | There will be a brief ceremony, and then we will begin riding slowly and silently for 8 miles. This is a national event, with people across America taking to the roads in order to honor those cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways.

Saturday May 24 | 8:00 a.m. | L.A.B. Course | Development Services Building, 171 N Ross St | The City of Auburn will offer the League of American Bicyclist Road I Course on Saturday, May 24th, 2008 at 8 am. This course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills, and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. The course will include in-classroom training, parking lot drills, and on-road training. Recommended for adults and children above age 14, this fast-paced, 8 hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling. There is no charge for the course, but you will need to bring a bicycle, helmet, and money for lunch. Participants must sign up in advance. For more information or to register, contact Brandy Ezelle at 501-3029.