Dust off those pedals and pump up those tires, because we’re well into the spring season and May is officially “Bike Month” in Carrboro and across the country.

Established by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956, Bike Month is meant to celebrate the reliable and environmentally friendly form of transportation that is the bicycle. Whether it’s your preferred method of commuting, favorite way to make trips into town or just an enjoyable leisure activity, Bike Month in Carrboro will present a number of opportunities to get outside and ride. With local projects like The Recyclery and community leaders tweeting a bicycle-related music video every day of the month, there’s plenty of ways to take full advantage of the festivities.

Beginning with a proclamation read at the May 2 Board of Aldermen meeting, Bike Month is Carrboro will feature the following activities:

May 10, 7:00 a.m. – National Bike/Walk to School Day: Coordinated bike ride for Carrboro Elementary, McDougle Elementary, Morris Grove and Carrboro High School

May 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Bike on Bus demonstrations at the entrance to the Farmers Market & bike repair demonstrations with the new Fixit Station at Town Commons

May 13, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Bike Bonanza with the Carrboro Police Department at Back Alley Bikes

May 15 through May 19 – National Bike to Work Week

May 16, 7:00 a.m.to 10:00 a.m. – Bike Breakfast at the entrance to the Libba Cotten Bikeway

May 19 – National Bike to Work Day

May 23, 8:30 a.m. – Ride with the Mayor (Meet at Town Hall)

For more information on any of these events, contact the Planning Department at 919-918-7325.

Joining places like Santa Monica and New York City, Carrboro was recognized as a “Silver” level bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2010 after the Board of Aldermen adopted the “Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan” in 2009.

“Carrboro will be a place that is bicycle-friendly; where people have an accessible, safe, and convenient option of bicycling for transportation, recreation, and health,” reads the vision of the plan. “Where bicycle lanes and greenways provide a connected system within and outside the Town; where future development provides access and facilities for bicyclists; where bicycle transportation is the easy choice; and where proposed policies and programs educate, inspire, and encourage residents and enforce safe bicyclist and motorist behavior.”