CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: May 2, 2017

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CTDOT Jumps on Board on National Bike Month

Newington, Connecticut – May is National Bike Month, which is celebrated in communities from coast to coast. This year the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is jumping on board and celebrating National Bike Month by promoting safety, and showcasing the many benefits of bicycling. CTDOT will celebrate Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19^th.  

Bicycling is an activity that may be accessible to most people, including the young, old, and disabled. A bike can offer access to destinations that would otherwise be hard to reach for those without a car. Bicycling has benefits beyond recreation, such as doing errands, attending social events, and commuting to and from work. Bike month is a great time to get out and try riding; it’s easier than you think!

Making bicycling part of your commute can be easy. If you are within a couple miles from work, just jump on and ride. If you are farther away, you can combine bicycling with other transportation modes. Many of Connecticut buses have bike racks to allow you to bring your bike along and so you can access locations not directly on the bus route. Combine carpooling with a bike housed at work to give you more flexibility during the day. Do you take the train? Bikes are permitted on Shoreline East and Metro-North trains. If you need help determining how to incorporate transit into your commute contact www.CTrides.com or http://web.mta.info/bike

Bicycling is a healthy means of transportation for children. Many of Connecticut’s schools may participate in the Safe Routes to School program www.ct.gov/dot/srts. Check out the program and see how your schools and neighborhoods can benefit. Spring is a great time to teach your child how to ride a bike safely and obey traffic rules. Teaching them to ride will give them independence and mobility. Bicycling improves not only your health through exercise, but also the health of your community through cleaner air.

Bike month is also a time to draw attention to the need to share the transportation network safely and courteously with all users. Bicycles are considered a vehicle, therefore the same rules apply. Motorists should look for bicyclists and be courteous in passing and turning. To see a list of laws pertaining to bicycling go to https://www.ct.gov/dot/bikeped. While wearing a helmet is the law in Connecticut for those under 16, it is common sense for all riders. Use lights at night and wear white or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) provides recreational opportunities in every corner of the state! Check out the state parks that offer mountain biking and multi-use trails at: www.ct.gov/deep.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, we encourage you to look at our Connecticut Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan, currently being updated, was developed to showcase the importance of creating bicycle friendly environments and how walkable communities have continued to grow. This plan will ensure Connecticut can continue its progress in establishing and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian policies, networks, and safety. More information can be found at: http://ctbikepedplan.org/

Get out and ride!