Celebrate National Bike to Work Day in May
May is National Bike Month and every year there is a National Bike to Work Day. This day is an effort to encourage employees to make their regular work commute via bicycle and to promote exercise. Another reason for the day is to shine a light on bicycle safety.
Hillsborough County's Public Works department stresses the importance of bicycle safety. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in recent years, the number of individuals killed in bicycle crashes in Florida has increased. In 2021, Florida had 183 bicycle accident deaths and 6,399 bicycle accident cases. And in 2019, Florida ranked first in the nation for the number of bicycles deaths from vehicle crashes with 161, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety first
Biking is an enjoyable activity. But, like all outdoor activities, it's important to remember safety is the key.
- Always wear a helmet
- Wear reflective clothing
- Limit distractions
- Ride with the flow of traffic, not into traffic
- Follow road signs
- Learn hand signals and use them
National Bike to Work Day originated in 1955 with the League of American Bicyclists and is endorsed by the American Medical Association.
This story was originally published on May 17, 2023.