UK Celebrates National Bike to Work Week May 13-17

By Chrissie Balding TuneMay is National Bike Month, and University of Kentucky Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) is encouraging UK employees to take advantage of the many great activities going on with Bike Lexington. A great time to get involved is during National Bike to Work Week May 13-17.

May is National Bike Month, and University of Kentucky Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) is encouraging UK employees to take advantage of the many great activities going on with Bike Lexington.  A great time to get involved is during National Bike to Work Week May 13-17.

Do you have hesitations about biking to work? PTS has put together a list of resources to help address common concerns:

 

I don’t know how to plan my route. Which roads have bike lanes?

Review the Lexington Bike Map and the UK Bike Facilities Map (PDF) in selecting your route. You may also consider using interactive online maps, such as Google Maps and MapMyRide.com.

I don’t feel comfortable bike commuting because I feel that the roads are unsafe.

Cyclists and motorists have the same rights, rules and responsibilities on most Kentucky roads. Follow the guidelines from the state Share the Road campaign. Review the UK Bicycling Advisory Committee’s Bicycling Basics guide (PDF) for a how-to guide on navigating campus on bike. If you don’t feel confident in your abilities, consider taking a bicycle commuting class before embarking on a bike commute.

I don’t know where bike parking is located, or the existing bike parking is inconvenient.

Check out the Bike Parking Map (PDF) to find the racks closest to your destination. If you see a need for more or upgraded bike parking, please submit a Bike Parking Request Form (PDF).

I’d like to bike to work, but I live too far away.

If it is not feasible for you to bike commute the entire way, consider combining mass transit and biking. All Lextran buses are equipped with a bike rack.

I have to dress up for work, so I don’t think bike commuting would work for me.

Bike commuting is generally at an easy pace, so you don’t need to worry about getting sweaty. However, you may consider packing your clothes with you or keeping multiple sets of work clothes at the office.

 

If you do decide to ride your bike to work this week, be sure to register for the Bike Lexington Commuter Challenge for the opportunity to win prizes.