Eco-tip: Roll into National Bike Month around Ventura County

National Bike Month, started by the nonprofit League of American Wheelmen, has been celebrated annually since 1956, showcasing the benefits of bicycling and encouraging more people to give it a try.

In Ventura County, the Ventura County Transportation Commission and the nonprofit Bike Ventura County are using prizes, maps and training to accomplish these goals.

The commission’s new guide, “Biking Ventura County: Routes & Tips for Beginners & Families,” makes it easy to find a place to ride. It features shared-use paths and separated bike lanes across Ventura County. It also provides guidance on safety, e-bikes and tips for taking bicycles aboard public transit. In particular, the commission urges commuters to try swapping their car for a bike during Bike to Work Week, May 13-19, and Bike to Work Day, May 17. Residents 18 and older who make the pledge on the commission's website at goventura.org by May 31 will be entered for a chance to win one of six $250 Amazon gift cards.

In addition to the guide, the commission offers the “Go Ventura Bikeways Map,” outlining bicycle routes across Ventura County. The regional bike map highlights Class 1 paths, which are separated from cars; Class 2, which are shared-street painted bike lanes; and Class 3, which are on-street bike routes designated by signs.

Bike Ventura County, based in Ventura, is coordinating several events this month. “Community Wrench” workshops are offered every Tuesday evening in May.

"Empowering cyclists with basic maintenance knowledge is key to a thriving cycling community," said Larry Abele, chair of the board of directors. These and future workshops are sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and the Channel Islands Bike Club. Register under the "education" tab at bikeventura.org.

A "Brew Ride" takes place on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00- 4:30 p.m. starting at 490 N. Ventura Ave. This month, it falls on Mother's Day.

The social ride celebrates Ventura's outstanding, award-winning breweries, but safety is paramount.

"There's no excessive drinking and riding," Abele assured. "Riders enjoy tastings and … chat with local brewers.”

The casual ride starts after lunch and participants will have just time for one drink at each of two brewery visits.

"Remember, on the road, cyclists are vehicles subject to all traffic laws, including those against drunk driving," Abele said.

The next event, a RideReady Adult Class, will be on May 25 from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Trek Bicycle Ventura, 4060 E Main St. Registration is required online through Bike Ventura County.

The class is funded by a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety to the city. Trek Bikes of Ventura is offering store discounts and donating water bottles to each participant and will award a prize of a free Trek bicycle to one lucky winner who completes the class. The four-hour session covers bike fit, safety inspection, traffic safety, emergency maneuvers and responsibilities of the road.

The same state grant to the city of Ventura paid for Bike Ventura County to provide bicycle safety education programs to all four Ventura middle schools and 10 elementary schools this year. So far, over 2,500 students have enjoyed a week-long bike education program, which includes on-bike safety drills and fun "bicycle safety rodeos" for the younger students. The program will cover every Ventura Unified elementary school next year.

One final tip: All Ventura County bus operators are offering free fares to anyone who boards the bus with a bike on Bike to Work Day on May 17.

Bicycling instead of driving is a great way to reduce traffic, cut pollution and save energy while contributing to California’s climate goals.

David Goldstein, an environmental resource analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Eco-tip: Roll into National Bike Month around Ventura County