(Arlington, TEXAS) – You may notice more cyclists on the trails and streets this month – and for good reason. May is National Bike Month, and North Texans across generations are encouraged to celebrate by finding a way to incorporate two wheels into their routines.

With mild temperatures and longer days, May is an ideal time to swap a car trip for a bike ride. Instead of driving the kids to school in the morning or sending them off to the bus stop, consider letting them ride their bikes. They can ride by themselves or with groups of friends. Bike buses are adult-led opportunities that allow students to safely pedal to school in larger groups while practicing real-time road safety skills.

Maybe you have been thinking of trying to pedal to work. Perhaps you’re an outdoor enthusiast who wants to explore one of the many trails winding through Dallas-Fort Worth.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments works with partners across the region to make it easier for residents to consider the active transportation options that work for their schedules.

Several events throughout May offer easy ways to get involved:

Bike and Roll to School Day – May 6

This national event encourages students, family members, school staff and community members to walk, bike and roll to school, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Over the past two years, more than 150 schools across Dallas-Fort Worth have held Bike & Roll to School Day events.

National Bike to Work Week (May 11-17) and Bike to Work Day (May 15)

NCTCOG encourages residents to commute by bike or other sustainable transportation modes for one day or all week, in support of these events initiated by the League of American Bicyclists.

On Friday, May 15, North Texans are encouraged to begin their day on two wheels and join fellow commuters at select Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations for a Bike to Work Day celebration. DART will mark the occasion with giveaways, free snacks and more at the following light rail stations:

  • Akard Station (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) in downtown Dallas
  • Buckner Station (4-6 p.m.)
  • CityLine Bush Station (4-6 p.m.) in Richardson

Those unable to commute to work by bike alone are encouraged to weave public transportation into their two-way adventure. Since the region’s three major transit authorities all allow riders to bring bikes on board their trains and buses, commuters can pedal to a transit stop near their neighborhood and let public transportation do the rest.

The Dallas-Fort Worth region boasts a network of nearly 1,100 miles of existing trails, with significant expansion underway thanks to dedicated funding. These pathways offer ample opportunities to commute, exercise or just enjoy a breezy ride. Discover more about the current and planned bicycle trails across the region on NCTCOG’s DFW Trails webpage.

In urban and suburban areas, off-street trails and on-street bikeways such as bike lanes enhance safe and accessible bicycle travel, linking residential areas to workplaces, schools and transportation hubs. For more information, visit NCTCOG’s on-street bikeways webpage.

“NCTCOG and our regional partners coordinate closely to ensure cyclists have safe, efficient trails and bikeways to use as transportation, regardless of experience level,” said Kevin Kokes, program manager for land-use and mobility options at NCTCOG. “Our network of bicycle-pedestrian facilities has something for people of all levels of comfort, from those exploring a trail for the first time to veteran cyclists participating in Bike to Work Day.”

Safety is a top priority for NCTCOG. The Look Out Texans campaign offers 21 tips for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians to ensure everyone stays safe on the roads, including:

•           Ride in the same direction as traffic

•           Use hand signals to give notice to drivers when turning or changing lanes

•           Wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet every ride.

For more bicycling safety tips, visit LookOutTexans.org/Safety-Tips.

North Texans who participate in Bike to Work Day are encouraged to record their commutes using the free Try Parking It app, available for download on Apple and Android devices. Learn more about the program, including opportunities to earn rewards, at TryParkingIt.com.

Try Parking It also allows users to find carpool and vanpool matches, which helps reduce the cost of commuting. This can especially be helpful with the current volatility of gas prices.