Bike Month gets pedaling today

As the weather warms and the days get longer, it's the ideal time to leave car home and venture out on a bike instead.

That's exactly what Jeff Moser hopes people will do as he kicks off the fifth annual Bike Month he's organized through the local advocacy group Muscle Powered.

"Riding your bike lessens traffic, air pollution and noise pollution," he said. "It also creates a friendlier community, with more people out there talking to each other face-to-face."

Several events have been planned for May to encourage Carson City residents to spend more time on two wheels.

"Over the years, we've found out what works and what people enjoy," he said. "We try to keep it fun with social rides and stuff like that."

Organizers brought back popular events, like bike clinics, and have added new offerings including bike polo, which will have its first match Thursday evening.

"We want to keep it fresh," Moser said.

The Tour of Carson resumes Sunday. Cyclists will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bike Habitat, 911 Topsy Lane, for a guided 27- to 30-mile loop around Carson City. A barbecue will follow the ride.

Bike Month also will feature the Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge, a competition among local businesses to see which one can get the most employees participating. The challenge runs May 14-18, with three divisions of businesses. Cyclists can compete in several categories, including most miles, most trips and highest percentage of participation.

Moser said he hopes Bike Week encourages more residents to become bicycle commuters.

"We know that not everyone who rides that week is going to stick with it, but that's our goal," he said. "Every year, we do have people who stick with it, so that's pretty good."

As more cyclists hit the streets, he said, it becomes safer for them all.

"The more people who are out there, the more visible we are," he said. "People are more likely to expect to see bikes."

So far, he said, the weather looks like it will cooperate, as well.

"The last two Mays, we've had pretty awful weather," he said. "But it looks like this year the bad weather came earlier. I think this May is going to be more favorable for us."

Bike Polo: 6 p.m. Thursday behind Colonial Bank, 901 N. Stewart St.

Tour of Carson: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday at Bike Habitat, 911 Topsy Lane, # 238

Bike Clinic: Bike Habitat, 911 Topsy Lane, # 238

Bike to Work Week: May 14-18

MORE ONLINE: For more information about Bike to Work Week's Corporate Challenge, go to musclepowered.org. For a full list of Bike Month events, go to musclepowered.org or bikecarson.com.