May is National Bike Month Published May 3, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jette Carr 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In support of National Bike Month in May, Cannon's fitness center will be hosting Ride Your Bike to Work Day, May 20. A sign-up sheet is now available at the gym. "We are trying to make people aware of not only the health benefits, but the cost effectiveness of riding a bike to work," said Staff Sgt. Freddie Jones, fitness specialist, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron. "It will help save on gas which, let's face it, it doesn't look like the prices will be dropping any time soon." By becoming a regular bike commuter, fitness levels can be improved, he explained. Active employees are more alert, take fewer sick days, and are more productive. People who swap from driving to cycling may improve their heart, lungs and blood vessels greatly in six to eight weeks, so they get sick less often. "There's nothing like riding to stimulate circulation, relieve stress, allow creative thought, and establish a positive attitude towards oneself and one's environment," said Sergeant Jones. This is something that Senior Airman Ryan Fisco agrees with. He rides his bike to work three to four times a week as well as back and forth to lunch and has found many benefits to his new method of transportation. "I just recently started riding to work, nearly a month ago," said Airman Fisco. "I did it for various reasons. Cycling helps me get an extra work-out throughout the day and it also helps my knees because it works out different muscles in my legs. My legs have become stronger in this sort time I've been riding my bike." Riding his bike to work not only helps keep Airman Fisco in shape, but it also keeps him alert and gives him an extra wake-up call in the morning, he said. Airman Fisco is excited to participate in the "Ride your bike to work day", but will also be taking some safety precautions. "I've realized that there's a lot of traffic in the morning during non-PT days, so I'm constantly aware of my surroundings. Sometimes people don't see you, especially at stop signs and turns," he said. "Wind is also a big factor. I feel it pushing me to the side so I look for incoming traffic and try to ride as close to the side of the road as I can to avoid getting hit." National Bike month was created in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists. This organization has provided the foundation for communities and schools to start their own bike month. Visit www.bikeleague.org for more details and additional scheduled activities. For more information on Ride Your Bike to Work Day contact the fitness center here at 784-2466. Bicycle Safety tips: - Wear a helmet to protect against head injuries. - While traveling at night make sure your bike has good light reflectors, and, if possible, wear bright clothing. - Most cycling is done on roads and streets with other motor vehicles. For your safety and the safety of others, obey the rules of the road as if you were driving a car. Stopping at stop signs, red lights, and use a signal (hand signal for a cyclist) before turning. - Always ride your bike on the right side of the road and stay as far to the side as is practical. - Remember, your bike is small and inconspicuous when compared to the other vehicles traversing the roadways. Make sure you are noticed and have constant awareness of your surroundings.