On the right, John Cock with his children: Meron, Caleb, and
Preston. On the left, Kirk Dietrich with his son Luke. Biking to Community School of Davidson.

By JENNY INGRAHAM 

With the month of May behind us, it seems like a good time to reflect on the events held throughout our town in celebration of “National Bike Month.”

Over the course of the past month, the Town of Davidson and its many schools, businesses, residents, police force and crossing guards have all taken part in a collaborative effort to lead multiple events that promote Davidson as a pedestrian and bike friendly town. Some of the many participants included: Davidson Elementary School, Davidson Green School, Charlotte Energy Solutions, North Carolina Active Routes to School program, Davidson Community School, The Woodlawn School, Davidson Police Department, and the River Run Property Owners Association.

One of the most successful and wide-spread events of this theme of the month was the “Bike to School Day” that took place on May 7^th. Organizers helped to coordinate bikers of all ages to meet at safe locations throughout town, and worked together to get all the students and their bikes to schools on time. This was no small task considering the hundreds of student bikers and their parents that turned out for the event.

Some of the obstacles that had to be overcome included families’ unfamiliarity with the safest biking routes, a little bit of confusion with assigned street crossings and accommodating all the many bikes upon reaching the schools. All things considered, however, the event was an overwhelming success! As a result of “Bike to School Day,” students were able to have a taste of how riding in and out can make a difference. In some neighborhoods, the student bike riders were able to beat their normally ridden buses home!

Bikers pause for a photo on the Rocky River Greenway during Bike to School day.

Other events that took place throughout the month of May in Davidson included: Bike to Town Day (May 3^rd), Bike to Work Week (May 12^th – 16), an educational discussion about bike and helmet safety with Police Chief Jeanne Miller, and a Bike/Walk to Market Challenge that was issued by the Green Davidson organization which rewarded participants with Farmer’s Market “Bucks” if they arrived at the Davidson Farmer’s Market in a carbon-friendly way.

This year, the Town of Davidson’s Bike Month calendar was full of activities for the single to group/family cyclists. After the awareness that was raised throughout this past month about biking and bike safety, the town can surely expect to have an even greater turnout next year at their events. Get those bike helmets ready!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein

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