Let’s celebrate National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day!

May is National Bike Month, and Friday the 21st is Bike to Work Day! Like riding the bus, cycling is a form of alternative transportation that cuts down on traffic and carbon emissions — plus, it can help you squeeze some exercise and family time into your day!

In honor of National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day, we’re sharing a few of the benefits of biking with you, as well as how to rack your bike on the bus. Because as fun as riding your bike is, sometimes you may need to hop on a bus to finish your journey or take a quick break!

The Benefits of Riding Your Bike

Whether you’re riding for fun, trying to get more active, or taking your bike to work and other essential places, cycling has lots of perks, including: 

Strengthening Your Legs & Core

No matter which gear you’re biking in — or the number of hills you have to go up — cycling will give your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves a great workout. You’ll also strengthen your back and abdominal muscles as you use your core to balance and stay upright.

Boosting Your Mental Health

Worried about an upcoming project, or feeling down and lethargic? Riding your bike, even for just 10 minutes, can help you focus on the road (and the present moment) instead of your stressors, which allows you to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Along with riding a fuel-efficient bus, taking your bike to work, school, or the grocery store is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. You won’t have to get through traffic in your car, and you don’t have to worry about finding a parking space!

Spending Time with Your Family

No matter where (or why) you’re riding your bike, it’s a great way to spend quality time outdoors with your loved ones. Teach your kids how to ride, make sure everyone has a bike they’re comfortable with, and get ready to hit the road with your family!

How to Rack Your Bike on the Bus

Want to ride your bike to work (or anywhere else), but need to take the bus for part of your journey? Racking your bike on a bus may seem difficult, but we promise it’s easy! Just follow the steps below:

Loading Your Bike

• Make sure the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver sees you before you step in front of the bus. Don’t approach a stopped bus from the street side, since the driver might be about to leave the stop.
• Squeeze the handle on the top of the bus rack, then lower it. Put your bike in the rack and the bar over your front wheel, as close to the bike frame as possible.
• Remove any loose items or valuables from your bike, then board the bus. 
• Show the driver your physical or mobile bus pass, pay the fare, swipe your fare card, or show your Purdue student or faculty ID. Then find a seat, sit back, and relax until you reach your stop!

Unloading Your Bike

• Exit through the front door and let the driver know you’re about to remove your bike. Don’t step in front of the bus until you’re sure the driver sees you.
• Remove your bike and fold up the rack (if there are no other bikes on it).
• Don’t cross in front of the bus, as passing traffic cannot see you. Instead, safely go to the nearest curb with your bike.
• Now you’re ready to bike to your next destination!

Now you’re ready to bike to work, school, or anywhere else!

We hope you love cycling and all the benefits it brings. And now that you know how to rack your bike on a bus, you can take your bike just about anywhere! 

CityBus has bike racks on the front of every bus to help you get wherever life takes you. Be sure to download the MyCityBus app to start planning your next bike + bus trip!