Bike to Work Day began as a national event in 1956, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.
Events are now held each May to focus on bicycle awareness and safety and to promote healthy living. Some also encourage people without a bike to get outside and be active.
This year, the state’s Bike to Work Week runs from May 15 to 19.
Anne Dunckel, a volunteer board member for the Spearfish Bicycle Collective, said local residents and participating businesses are looking forward to the events.
“We are hosting Spearfish Bike to Work Week, in celebration of Bike to Work Week with a few bike shops in Spearfish like Two-Wheeler Dealer and Rushmore Bikes. There is going to be a lot of fun events happening from Sunday May 14 to Friday May 19 all bike-centric fun activities in Spearfish,” said Dunckel.
The City of Sioux Falls is collaborating with the group Falls Area Bicyclist on local events.
They will lead rides during the week and are partnering with local businesses to provide goodies for participating cyclists.
Sam Trebilcock is a senior planner with the City of Sioux Falls planning and building services. He said the city has meetings planned throughout the week to focus on all modes of human-powered transportation
“Who’s included in those things? People that are walking, jogging, people that are using travel where they need mobility devices, people that have some disabilities. We want to make sure that all of them can safely and comfortably get around the city,” said Trebilcock.
While the primary focus is on bicycles, the message is clear from participating cities and businesses. They’re asking people to get out and be active.
Fletcher Lacock, an Urban Planner for the City of Sioux Falls, acknowledges that some people will face obstacles – but he encourages everyone to do what they can.
“We recognize that a lot of people either have kids to drop off in the morning or errands to run and they can’t bike into work. But if you can do something just one day during the week, either getting out, riding with your kids to a playground, or something. Just to experience what Sioux Falls has to offer,” said Lacock.
Whether you bike, jog, walk, or just visit some of the outdoor amenities your city offers, it’s likely you’ll see many people outside being active during the week.
Event organizers also ask that drivers stay alert for an increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Sioux Falls will host an open house style public meeting on Thursday, May 18 at 4 p.m. at the downtown library to discuss future bicycle and pedestrian needs.
A full list of Sioux Falls events is at fallsareabicyclists.org.
