Summit Co. offering free, 30-minute bike rides for Mental Health Awareness Month

Jonathon Sharp
·1 min read

PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4) — During springtime in the Utah high country, there are few things more refreshing than a bike ride with mountain views.

That’s why Summit County’s bike share program is offering residents free e-bike rides during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

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“We thought it was appropriate to offer free 30-minute rides for anyone who wants to get away from their desks and enjoy the sunshine,” Steven Dennis, the county engineer, told ABC4 on Friday.

This free ride promotion comes as Summit Bike Share kicked off its eighth season last week. To enjoy a free ride, users need to punch in the promotion code: 24MENTALHEALTH.

The first 250 people to use the code get the free rides, Dennis said. So far, only two of the codes have been redeemed.

While physical activity and exercise are important to keep the body healthy, they have also been shown to boost mental health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise (defined as planned, structured and repetitive body movement) can ease depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins and refocusing the mind away from negative thoughts.

Routine exercise also allows people to gain confidence, learn healthy coping mechanisms and provide social interaction, even if it’s just greeting someone in passing.

The Summit Bike Share program aims to “push all aspects of health,” Dennis said. It’s why he said they partnered with Sweet Protection to offer riders helmets at a steeply discounted rate.

For information on how to use Summit County’s e-bikes, click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah: namiut.org

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