It never ceases to amaze me how many people I see riding bikes all over my city – Tucson, Arizona. If biking was rated the same as skiing, (black, blue & green), I would weigh in on the very light green side of things in terms of biking ability. I like things like bike paths – long straight ones. But my admiration for all of you who bike to work? Who actually bike to the grocery store? Who bike up mountains? And maybe even scarier to me – DOWN those same mountains? Over the top – kudos, praise, awe.
So given my level of admiration, this blog is dedicated to all who take to the streets on your two wheelers (and some very pricey wheels I might add) and by doing so, help to make our world a greener, healthier place. I was pleasantly surprised to find all the wonderful bike things going on in our city during Earth Month. So promote them I shall. I promise not to hit you while driving my green car and to give you a big Mrs. Green high five should our paths cross in the weeks to come.
Are you ready?
Bike to Work Week – April 9-13. Bike to work and your efforts will be well rewarded! All week long, businesses throughout Greater Tucson will be hosting Bike to Work Stations with freebies, discounts, bike tune-ups and more – from breakfast giveaways to happy hour. Support your local bike-friendly businesses and discover some new ones. For more info on bike stations, visit http://www.livingstreetsalliance.org/bike-fest/bike-to-work-week/ Some of the businesses will serve breakfast, a free massage, a bottle of water, bike stickers and more.
U of A Bike 2 Work and School Day – Wednesday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us on the UA mall (in front of the science library) from 9am to 2pm. We will have a lot going on for bicyclists – free bike registration with a free bike light kit and free bike bell (while supplies last), free minor bike repairs/tune-ups, free nutritional bars from Clif bar, and free maps, brochures, and giveaways. Joining us will be Fair Wheel Bike Shop, BICAS (http://bicas.org/) and UA Cycle Club.
Bike to the Zoo Day – Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ride your bicycle to Reid Park Zoo and show your helmet to get FREE admission and FREE valet parking inside the zoo. GABA will have rides starting from various locations around Tucson, in varying distances and speeds. You decide which level and distance you want to pedal, and start with the group that most closely matches your cycling preference. All rides will converge at the zoo between 9 AM and 12 PM. Upon arrival at the zoo, stop at the GABA table with your helmet which will be set up inside of the entrance to get your ice cream cone/cup voucher (limited to the first 300 cyclists). Free valet bike parking will be available, through the GABA, inside the Reid Park Zoo for everyone who rides. Bike parking offered 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Visit www.bikegaba.org for more information.
Hats off to Pima Association of Governments for being such a major spoke in the wheel by supporting these fun, green events! (http://www.pagnet.org/tabid/36/default.aspx)
p.s. Doesn’t this sound like a great topic for green talk radio? I could talk to some of my very brave friends like Mark Contento and Kristen Culliney and Debbie Claggett, and Coley Ward and yes – maybe even Jim Lubinski. I green heart you. Travel safely my friends.