People often share with me that they'd like to ride their bicycles for transportation...if not for X. And, to be fair, there are plenty of obstacles one might encounter when navigating a bike life from scratch on your own. So take a deep breath and start where you are. Ride to a festival or to grab coffee with friends. You don't have to give up your car today or start with a work commute. As lovely as it is to commute by bicycle to work—really, I can't recommend it highly enough—it's among the higher-stakes rides you could attempt out the gate. 

That said, if you're thinking of going for it, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT! May is National Bike Month, and that combined with several initiatives occurring locally means you'll be uniquely supported as you hit the streets this month: 

Yay Bikes! is heading up local coordination of the National Bike Challenge. Log your trips to encourage friendly competition within Central Ohio and throughout the country—and for a chance to win prizes, of course.

Yay Bikes! will be participating in two local Bike to Work Day events—the May 19 ride and the May 18 tabling event. Come say hi, and ride with us!

The Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Department of Health are launching their Statewide Active Transportation Plan "think outside your car" campaign to encourage Ohioans to choose active modes of transportation, and pass bicyclists safely when traveling by car. Soon Yay Bikes! will also announce the 5 agencies to benefit from this spring's How We Roll / Ride Buddy pilot program for state employees!

COTA launches their systemwide overhaul this month with FREE rides May 1–7. Too far to ride all the way to work? Ride to a bus stop, load your bike on the front rack (here's how!) and veg during the journey! 

The Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission's 2016 Columbus Metro Bike Map is available online, and coming to a bike shop near you (courtesy Yay Bikes! special delivery) soon. 

Our original Bike Life 101 content provides lots of valuable information on how to use your bicycle for transportation. For more personalized support, Yay Bikes! is offering How We Roll rides FREE to our members—this month with an extra weekend time slot to accommodate every schedule!

If you are looking to make a change in your life, to finally begin exploring the joys of a life outside your car, let's get together and help you figure out how. Yes, you can!