Community leaders take a bike ride Tuesday morning hosted by Muscle Powered to promote National Bike Month. A variety of events are planned throughout the month, including Bike to Work Week starting Monday.
City and community leaders joined bicycle advocates Tuesday morning for a ride through the rain on Carson City’s west side as part of a list of activities planned for National Bike Month.
“We like to encourage everyone to enjoy bicycling,” said Kelly Clark of Muscle Powered, an organization working to create a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly community. “We think it’s especially important as an advocacy organization to encourage elected officials to have firsthand experience of the joys of cycling.”
The annual Celebrity Ride serves as the prime opportunity for Carson City Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger to hit the streets.
“While I work on transportation issues for the city, it’s always a good idea to experience it for yourself,” he said. “And I want to be supportive of a bicycling community.”
City Supervisor Karen Abowd has joined the Celebrity Ride for three years.
“I support Muscle Powered. I support bike riding,” she said. “And it’s a great break in the day.”
Richard Stokes, superintendent of the Carson City School District, participated in the ride that began at Telegraph Square and looped up through Silver Oak and back for the second time.
“It’s nice to be around people that care about the community,” he said. “It’s a good example of a healthy lifestyle to show students and staff. Plus, I can’t think of a prettier place to ride than Carson City.”