It's been a great Bike month

As the month of May slowly comes to an end, we can already look back at a fantastic month of cycling related events here in Austin in celebration of National Bike Month.  There have been so many wonderful events and we'd like to highlight a few of them here.


Ride of Silence


Each year, a National Ride of Silence is held on May 18th to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.  This year's event in Austin was held to honor Andrew Runciman who was recently the tragic victim of a hit and run in Southern part of the city.  The Please BE KIND to Cyclists took part in this memorial ride and were proud to help honor this young cyclist.

Bike to Work Day

May 20th was National Bike to work day and as always, the city of Austin was buzzing with activity for this celebration of bikes.  Please BE KIND to Cyclists sponsored three checkpoints and were able to meet and interact with a whole bunch of cyclists making their way around the city.  The morning was overcast, but the smiles were sure shining on each and every cyclist who stopped in to see us.

How did you spend your Bike Month?  We'd love to hear your stories and have you share your experience with us.

Cycling Safety Related Videos

Our friend Darryl from Loving the Bike has a couple of Cycling Related Safety Videos that we'd like to share with you today.

Safety From Sun Glare:

Safety in Strong Winds:

Bike Month

Each May the nation celebrates the bike, and here in Austin there is definitely no shortage of bicycle related goodness.  Once again there will be Bike to Work Week, Bike to Work Day, and countless cycling events and rides to go along with all the celebrations.  It is a great month to get excited about cycling and to get out for a solo ride, with your family, or maybe even a commute to work.

Please BE KIND to Cyclists will be sponsoring 3 stations in Austin's Bike to Work Day: Tsunami Bike Shop, Jack and Adams Bike Shop, and Bouldin Creek Cafe (their new location on Mary and South 1st).

Volunteers Needed:
We are in need for 4 volunteers to help us out with our Bike to Work Day activities.  We require 2 people for Tsunami BikeShop, one for Jack and Adams, and one for Bouldin Creek.  Please contact us at al@bekindtocyclists.com or by phone at 512-924-6683 to let us know you're able to help out.  Below are more details on what are required:

Date: Friday May 20, 2011
Arrival Time - 6:45AM
Required from 7:00 - 9:30AM
Duties: Greet cyclists, handout goodies, talk to people about cycling and Please BE KIND to Cyclists, collection donations for bumper stickers, help sell merchandise.

Free breakfast will be served to all volunteers at each station.

If you aren't able to volunteer, we hope you'll take part in Bike to Work Day on May 20th and stop by and see us at one of our stations.  For a map of all the stations for this year's event, please visit: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/rideyourbike/downloads/btw_map4chron_2011_temp.pdf.  For a list of other cycling events taking place in Austin during Bike Month, visit http://www.austinchronicle.com/bike-month/.

Come out and celebrate Bike to Work Day with us......it's going to be a guaranteed great time.

The Pledge

Okay, here the deal I'd like to make with y'all. It's really simple actually....you agree to our terms and we'll deliver on what we pledge to do. Is it a Deal?

As a Driver I Pledge:

• Not to drive while under the influence of alcohal or drugs
• Not to text, tweet, e-mail, talk, or do anything else with my phone while driving
• To give all cyclists at least 3 feet of space
• Not to drive while drowsy, tired, or sleepy
• Not to throw garbage and other items out of my car
• To follow the rules of the road

As a Cyclist I Pledge:

• To continue to do my part for the environment by riding instead of driving
• To bring down the cost of national health care by keeping my body in top health
• To spread my positive vibes and attitude that comes through cycling and exercise
• To encourage my fellow cyclists to show respect and be safe on the road
• To follow the rules of the road
• To be street smart on the road and make sure I make it home safely to my family and loved ones

*We understand that not all drivers or cyclists can be classified in the lists that we provided here, and we hope to continue to educate and develop all cyclists into safe and pro-active riders.