May 2023 Newsletter: May is Bike Month is HERE!
Each month Yolo Commute sends a newsletter to its members with useful information about commuting and transportation. This month’s newsletter focuses on bicycling during the annual May is Bike Month*.
It’s back! Let’s make this May one to remember by getting more people riding bikes than ever before. ⚡️
Ride with your workplace, ride solo or ride for the first time – however you roll, let’s show the world that life is better when it’s pedal-powered!
Join in-person events, one of the many bike rides, help your workplace top the leaderboards, encourage others and win amazing prizes this May is Bike Month. Are you in?
Follow the Sacramento Region May is Bike Month on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.
Happy riding!
https://www.lovetoride.net/sacregion
Explore!
During May is Bike Month, we also encourage you to discover the Sacramento region’s bicycling infrastructure! Your bike can be a ticket to many parts of Northern California and can be
easier than driving your car.
Where Can Your Bike Take You?
The Sacramento Region has a variety of bike trails and safe roads to practice riding. Riding short distances such as to a park, coffee shop, or to school with your kids can be good practice to gear up for a longer daily commute. You can use sac511.org to find the most bike-friendly route. Additionally, many local bike maps are available at the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates website: https://sacbike.org/resources/maps/.
What if I want to go Further?
Bikes on Transit
Many regional transit services allow bikes on board, allowing you to go farther without a car. However, each has different requirements for storage and bike dimensions.
Yolobus has a 3-capacity bike rack on the front of most of their buses, with Luggage Bay storage on the 215 coaches
YOUR Ride micro transit allows up to 2 bikes on board
SacRT buses have a 2-3 capacity bike rack
SacRT lite rail has space for bikes in both racks and the rear of the cars.
SolTrans buses have a 2-capacity bike
All the above racks are first-come-first serve.
Long-Distance Travel
Capitol Corridor allows you to carry-on your bike for free with no reservations and offers bike parking at many of its stations. There are about 24 bike spaces on each train. The parking is downstairs in 2 designated cars.
The San Joaquins also offer free carry-on bicycle parking.
The California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight allow you to check your bicycle in the baggage car for a fee of less than $20. Bicycles must be less than 50 lbs, maximum dimensions of 70″ x 41″ x 8.5,” and have tires no wider than 2”.
You may want to book your ticket several months in advance as bicycle reservations sell out very quickly.
There are special rules that apply to folding bicycles and at certain stations. When you purchase your ticket, you will be able to reserve a spot for your bike and learn more about station specific policies.
Where can you not bring your Bike?
Unitrans does not accommodate bikes, however, the city of Davis has bicycling-supportive infrastructure that makes travel time competitive with the bus.
If taking other regional micro transit, be sure to read their policies or call ahead to find out if bikes can be accommodated.
Biking Best Practices
Avoid riding on sidewalks, against the flow of traffic, on freeways, and in hazardous conditions.
However, don’t hesitate to prioritize your safety by taking the lane or using the crosswalk to walk your bike through an intersection. Ride how you feel most comfortable.
You can utilize your $100 bike accessory incentive to buy a new helmet and reflective clothing!
Lovetoride.net has lots more tips for every type of rider. (You can also register for May is Bike Month on their website!)
May is Bike Month is the perfect time to test out new ways of getting around! By exploring the region on your bike, not only will you be contributing to transportation sustainability, but you will be increasing your health, saving money, and seeing your city from a different perspective. Sign up for one of the many rides in the region (including Yolo county!) scheduled for May is Bike Month!
-Sophia Linnevers, Intern
May Sources:
https://www.lovetoride.net/sacregion?locale=en-US
https://www.amtrak.com/onboard/bring-your-bicycle-onboard.html