Author: Brian Abbanat

Posted on by Brian Abbanat

April 2023: Maximizing your May is Bike Month Incentives!

 

Each month Yolo Commute sends a newsletter to its members with useful information about commuting and transportation. This month’s newsletter helps you get geared up for the annual May is Bike Month*.

May is Bike Month (MIBM) is a national celebration of bicycling that encourages people to use their bike to get to work, school, and around town! The Sacramento Region has dozens of events and programs to help you get riding. Yolo Commute and its members are offering various incentives and hosting events throughout the month of May. A full schedule of programs can be found on the Love to Ride website, where you can also register yourself and workplace for challenges and more!

To celebrate MIBM, Yolo Commute offers up to $100 towards bike accessories or tune-ups/repairs, $200 towards a new standard bike, and $300 towards a new e-bike.

Several local resources can help you get riding comfortably and easily.

Here is a list of bike stores around the Yolo region:

Foy’s Bike Shop

352 W Main St. Woodland

 The Bike Garage

1st & Hays St. Woodland by Douglas Middle School

And

1500 Cannery Ave. Davis at The Cannery, behind the Barn

Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board650 G St. Davis
Freewheeler Bicycle Center703 2nd St. Davis

ASUCD Bike Barn400 Hutchison Dr. Davis
Davis Cyclery247 F St. Davis

Apex Cycles105 E St. Ste 2C Davis
Davis Bikes and Skateboards903 3rd St. Davis

Davis Bike Exchange423 L St. Davis
Green Bicycle Depot965 Olive Dr. Davis

Davis Bike Collective1221 ½ 4th St.
Mike’s Velo City7 E. Main St. Ste A Winters

Edible Pedal328 3rd  St. West Sacramento
West Capitol Cyclery2027 West Capitol Ave. West Sacramento

 

Make the most of your $100 Accessory Incentive!

There are 4 absolute essentials for your bike, and then some optional items that can make your ride more fun and comfortable!

  1. Bike Helmet- a helmet can prevent injury and help reduce your stress while riding! This one is affordable, safe, and sleek.
  2. Front and Rear Reflectors- bicyclists are required by law to have reflectors when riding at night. If your bike did not come with reflectors when you bought them, you can get them here!
  3. White Front Light- This pack includes both red and white lights for enhanced safety!
  4. Bike lock- This lock has both a U-Lock and a cable. It is always smart to research which lock best fits your needs before you buy.

All these products combined will cost about $130.

If you don’t need the essential accessories, you can mix and match these fun and functional items!

  1. A rear bike rack and a basket to carry a briefcase or small backpack!
  2. A front basket that can be taken on and off (can use it as a shopping basket!)
  3. A super comfortable bike seat will help you enjoy the ride!
  4. A strawberry bike bell or maybe motivational gold chrome is more your style!
  5. A pair of gloves for chilly days
  6. Or a fan for hot ones
  7. Extra spoke reflectors
  8. A reflective sash
  9. A phone mount
  10. A water bottle holder to stay hydrated while on the go

Make the most of your $200-$300 Bike Incentive!

First, decide what kind of bike meets your needs…

Terrain

Think about what kind of terrain you go through on your way to work. If you go up and down hills or overcrossings, opting for a 3-7 speed bike will ease your journey. If you bike on gravel, trails, or rough roads, wider tires are helpful. An e-bike or accessible bike can make bike commuting substantially easier for all riders, especially on longer commutes. 

Traffic

Traffic patterns also influence what style of bike you should opt for. When biking on city streets, light-weight bikes with upright handlebars can make negotiating with cars and pedestrians easier.

Beyond Commuting

Your bike can be used for much more than commuting. A road or mountain bike will get you to work and allow you to pursue rides for sport or leisure after hours.

Professional Dress

If you wear professional clothing, skirts, or dresses, a step through bike can allow you to get on and off your bike easily and protect your clothing. An e-bike can reduce the amount of effort it takes to ride, making you less sweaty and gets you to work faster!

Next, get fitted and test ride!…

The Bike Garage in Woodland and Davis will allow you to test ride a bike that meets your needs for free. You can ask for assistance with choosing a bike at any local bike store.

To save money, buy used…

Buying a good-condition bike second-hand can save you hundreds of dollars and get you an awesome ride.

A comfortable ride can make a huge difference when it comes to deciding to bike to work. Taking advantage of Yolo Commute’s incentives can put you one step closer to making that choice! If you are not sure about what accessories to buy or what kind of a tune-up your bike needs, ask one of the local bike shops listed above!

Happy Riding!

-Sophia Linnevers, Intern

*Yolo Commute is not sponsored by any of the brands, products, or organizations mentioned in this article. Purchase and use all example products at your own risk.