Date
Thursday
May

May 1-31

National Bicycle Safety Month

Gear up and stay safe this National Bicycle Safety Month - from helmets to hand signals, we've got all the tips you need for a smooth ride.

Yearly Date
May 1
Type
Month

Introduction

Get ready to hit the road safely this May 1st as we observe National Bicycle Safety Month! Did you know that bicycles have been around since the early 19th century and are still one of the most popular modes of transportation? Not only are they a fun way to stay active, but they also help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. However, it's important to prioritize safety while riding a bike, which is why this month is dedicated to promoting safe biking habits and raising awareness about bicycle laws. So let's gear up for a fun-filled month of biking adventures while staying safe on the roads!

National Bicycle Safety Month Timeline

1817
Invention of the Bicycle
The first bicycle, known as the "Draisine" or "Laufmaschine," was invented by Karl Drais.
1885
Safety Bicycle Introduced
John Kemp Starley invents the Rover safety bicycle, setting the standard for bicycle design for over a century with its rear-wheel drive and front steering.
1965
Bike Helmet Invention
The first bike helmet was made using a padded leather headband. Over the years, the design improved for maximum safety.
1995
National Bicycle Safety Month
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other organizations established May as National Bicycle Safety Month.
2010
Launch of Bike Sharing Programs
Cities worldwide started implementing bike-sharing programs, prompting more bike safety awareness efforts due to increased bike usage.
2020
Bike Safety in the Pandemic
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, bicycling surged globally as a safer alternative means of travel, emphasizing more than ever the importance of bicycle safety.'

How to Celebrate National Bicycle Safety Month

1

Organize a community bike ride

Get your friends, family, and neighbors together for a fun and safe bike ride through the community to celebrate National Bicycle Safety Month. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and rules of the road!

2

Host a bike maintenance workshop

Invite a local bike shop or experienced cyclist to teach a workshop on bike maintenance and safety. This will help educate people on how to properly care for their bikes to ensure a safe ride.

3

Create and distribute bike safety flyers

Design and print out flyers with important bike safety tips and distribute them in your community. This is a simple but effective way to raise awareness about bike safety during National Bicycle Safety Month.

4

Organize a bike safety scavenger hunt

Create a fun and interactive way to learn about bike safety by organizing a scavenger hunt. Participants will have to find and complete tasks related to bike safety, such as checking tire pressure or signaling before turns.

5

Partner with local schools to host bike safety presentations

Work with local schools to organize bike safety presentations for students. This is a great way to teach young children the basics of bike safety and promote safe biking habits at an early age.

Why National Bicycle Safety Month is Important

A

Promotes safety and decreases accidents

By dedicating an entire month to bicycle safety, we can raise awareness and educate individuals on the importance of following safety guidelines while riding. This can lead to a decrease in accidents and injuries, making roads safer for both cyclists and drivers.

B

Encourages more people to ride bicycles

With increased efforts towards promoting bicycle safety, more individuals may feel confident and comfortable riding their bikes on the road. This can have positive impacts on our environment, as well as individual health and wellness.

C

Highlights the importance of sharing the road

Bicycles are legally considered vehicles, which means they have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road. By promoting bicycle safety, we also emphasize the need for drivers to share the road with cyclists and respect their presence. This helps create a more harmonious and safe environment for all road users.

National Bicycle Safety Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday