Mark National Bike Month by learning the biking basics in the Centre Region
If there was ever a time to start enjoying bicycling, this is the year — and May is the month!
Even with COVID-19 causing social distancing, the country can still celebrate National Bike Month in May. For anyone interested in biking locally, Schlow Centre Region Library, in partnership with Centre Region Parks and Recreation, is hosting a free virtual event, “Biking in the Centre Region 101,” starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. Visit schlowlibrary.org to find the registration link. Advanced registration is required, and the deadline to register is May 12. A Zoom link will be sent to those who have registered.
The class is another example of how Schlow Library and the CRPR are serving and offering classes and resources to the community even while the buildings are closed.
“We know that socialization and access are precious commodities right now,” said Maria Burchill, head of adult services at Schlow. “They’re critical to maintaining the welfare of our community. The library has been, and continues to be, a central gathering place to learn and share skills, such as how to bike for health safely, and to access free educational and entertainment resources.”
Trish Meek, senior transportation planner with the Centre Regional Planning Agency in State College, and Cecily Zhu, sustainable transportation program coordinator for Penn State Transportation Services, will lead the discussion on “Biking in the Centre Region 101.”
“The class is all about biking basics in the Centre Region — the where, when, and how to guide for biking in our area,” Meek said. “We will also talk about riding safely during COVID-19 and about other National Bike Month virtual and solo or household bike activities.”
Like everything these days, some precautions are needed to still enjoy biking and make sure everyone does their part in fighting the coronavirus. Meek says that people should either go on rides solo or with people who live under the same roof. Riders should still stay at least six feet apart, which might make some trails and paths better to use.
“If a public trail is crowded, find another place to ride,” Meek said. “Visit paths and trails close to your home. Most travel requires you to stop along the way and may expose you to surfaces contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19.”
With the virus, different types of events have been created to help spark fun and interest in bicycling. The region will have its first Spring Bike Anywhere Friday on May 15. Ride your bike that day and you can register to win a $50 gift card from Freeze Thaw Cycles. Other events include Bike Month Bingo, Family Bike Scavenger Hunt and Bike Lingo Word Search. For information about all the Bike Month activities, visit crcog.net/bikes.
Meek said she has happily noticed more people bicycling over the years and believes it as an activity that is always beneficial, but maybe even more now than ever.
“It is great to see families and individuals out and about and being active,” she said, “as being active is an important part of staying well both mentally and physically.”
For more information about “Biking in the Centre Region 101” and other events and services happening through Schlow Library, visit schlowlibrary.org and follow Schlow Library on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.