The Utah Transit Authority and Provo City has invited the BYU community to take part in a full week of bike events throughout the state starting next week.
May is bike month throughout the nation and in the state of Utah.
“Biking to work is a great way to improve your health, save money and help the environment,” Mike Allegra, UTA general manager said in a press release. “If your work is too far to bike, try a mixed commute that includes biking and riding transit. Bikes are welcome on all of our buses and trains.”
BYU is encouraging its employees to take part in “Bike to Work Day” on Tuesday and for students to participate in “Bike to School Day” on Wednesday.
Many people on campus use bicycles as their chosen mode of transportation. They like the idea of the university taking part in this community event and wish there were more who chose to ride bicycles.
“It’s faster to get here than walking,” Chris Cord, a junior studying finance from Anacortes, Wash. said. “I didn’t bike recreationally before and I’m still not. I just use it for transportation really. I’m not really into cycling itself, but it’s good for right now.”
Steve Decker, a senior studying psychology, only lives six blocks away and rides his because it’s more convenient.
“I would like to see more people riding their bike instead of driving,” Decker said. “It’s better for the environment, it would cause less traffic and it’s better for people’s health.”
Students, faculty and staff cyclers can join with other peddle-pushers on campus at Brigham Square Wednesday morning to get free bike tune-ups, rule and safety lessons and giveaways.
All cyclists, fast and slow, are welcome to take part in the events Provo City has planned.
Free food, bike tune-ups and a limited number of helmets will be handed out starting at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning to kickoff the week’s festivities. Provo Mayor John Curtis will then lead a three-mile ride through Provo beginning at the County Courthouse at 8 a.m.
Another similar event will take place in Orem Wednesday morning.
Trevor Christensen, part of the Bike Provo group, is excited to finally get back on his bike.
“Personally, I’m excited to finally have some nice weather and be on my bike again,” Christensen said. “I’ve worked hard to get my bike into gear and I’m excited to get out there.”
