• 27
  • April
    2011

As cycling season shifts into full gear, many Bay Area bicyclists will be helping San Francisco kick off National Bike Month. May has served as the celebratory month of the bicycle for 50 years now. Few places in the U.S. have such a dedicated cycling community as San Francisco, but unfortunately few cyclists face as much daily danger as Bay Area bikers.

In the past decade, 30,000 motor vehicles have collided with bicycles in the Bay Area. The bicycle accidents usually occur when a car driver fails to 'see' a cyclist and turns in front of the bicycle. However, a few recent San Francisco bike accidents have even been intentional, where an enraged motorist actually intends to cause harm to the cyclist.

Fortunately, bicycling advocacy groups, legislators and law enforcement have stepped up to try making Bay Area cycling safer. Many depend on their bicycle for their daily commute or exercise, so it is essential that progressive safety measures are made. While much work much still be done, it is important that bike riders find time to simply enjoy the ride. Below is a list of cycling tours occurring during May in Northern California:

  • May 1 - Jamboree Century, Redding
  • May 6-9 - Hazon California Bike Ride, San Francisco
  • May 12-14 - Quality of Life Plus RideABLE Tour 2011, Costanoa
  • May 15 - Strawberry Field Forever Ride XXII, Watsonville
  • May 30-June 3 - Classic Climbs of the Sierra, Bishop

While there is safety riding in numbers, not everyone can always ride in a pack, especially commuters. Please take special care and remain wary of careless motorists.

Source: bikeride.com, "Bicycling Events Calendar"