BikeLafayette and T.R.A.I.L have teamed up with JoDu, LCG and the Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization to offer almost a dozen local bicycling activities throughout the month of May as part of National Bike Month.
Apparently we here at The Ind aren't the only ones who believe Lafayette's rapidly growing, spirited crowd of bicycling enthusiasts is a noteworthy addition to our Cool Town.
What began as a grassroots movement to make bicycling a more viable form of transportation in town has since evolved into a "full advocacy and awareness" campaign in the Hub City, thanks in large part to local nonprofits like BikeLafayette and T.R.A.I.L, or Transportation Recreation Alternatives In LA, that have pedaled up to the political plate to bring bicycling to the attention of policymakers at both the local and state levels.
Starting Tuesday, Bike Lafayette, T.R.A.I.L, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization will kick off a month-long series of cycling-related events for the public to coincide with National Bike Month.
According to a press release from T.R.A.I.L., the May bike activities will begin with a proclamation at City Hall from Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel, who will officially crown the month of May as "Bike Month" and formally name the week of May 14-18 "Bike to Work Week."
Other activities planned for May, as noted by T.R.A.I.L. and BikeLafayette are as follows:
Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge - May 1 to August 31
Signup at www.bikeleague.org to participate in a nationwide competition to win prizes for riding your bike.
Bike Corral at Downtown Alive May 4, 11, 18, and 25
T.R.A.I.L. and Bike Lafayette will provide free "valet parking" for cyclists at Downtown Alive. The purpose of bike corrals is to facilitate biking and create a community space for bicycle enthusiasts at Downtown Alive. Show your bike corral claim ticket at Viva La Waffle and get $1 off any sandwich. Email [email protected]
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Basic Traffic Skills 101** May 5 (Part I) & May 12 (Part II)
The Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization has arranged for the League of American Bicyclists Coach, Chris Daigle, to teach the two day course. Cost is $100 per person. Classes, hosted by Lafayette Consolidated Government, will be held at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center, Room 116, from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM both days. To register contact Chris Daigle at [email protected] or call 337-837-8034, or go to http://www.eaglewheel.us.
Bicycle Commuting Basics Workshop May 8
Bike Lafayette will offer a Bicycle Commuting Basics workshop on May 8th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It will take place at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center downtown (101 Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA), Room 116, courtesy of the Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization and Lafayette Consolidated Government. The workshop is free and open to the public. Email [email protected]
Ride for Rox May 12
Ride for Rox is in memory of Roxanne Richard who was killed while riding her bicycle last October. The 50 mile ride starts at 8:00 AM and the 25 mile ride starts at 9:30 AM. Both rides begin and end at Acadiana Park (1205 E. Alexander St., Lafayette). Pre-register at www.active.com or on day of ride starting at 7 AM. Registration fee is $30 and includes rest stops with snacks and drinks, maps, road markings, t-shirts and lunch. Proceeds will benefit ongoing efforts to promote safe cycling in Acadiana. Email [email protected]
R.A.S.H. Riding Armadillos Scavenger Hunt May 12 T.R.A.I.L. is putting on a bicycle scavenger hunt on May 12 at The Feed & Seed (106 N. Grant St., Lafayette). Register on www.active.com or on day of at 6 PM. The scavenger hunt starts at 7 PM and ends at 10:30 PM with music, food and beverages after. Entry fee is $80 per team (2 to 8 people per team); includes over $3,000 in cash and prizes. Email [email protected]
Ride of Silence May 14
Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. The ride is free and we ask cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. Cyclist will meet at Parc San Souci in downtown Lafayette at 6:00 PM. Email [email protected]
T.R.A.I.L. Commuter Challenge May 14-31
Bicycle commuters will have the opportunity to win gift certificates and other prizes from local businesses. Become a friend of "TRAILs for LA" on Facebook and each weekday post a picture of you on your bike at work to become eligible for a drawing of the daily prizes. Email [email protected].
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Bike To Work Day** May 18
-Coffee with the City-Parish President Joey Durel will bike from his home to meet with area cyclists at Another Broken Egg in River Ranch. Open to the public. -Commuter Convoy Immediately following coffee BikeLafayette will lead the "Commuter Convoy" from the Fresh Market parking lot in River Ranch along secondary roads to work places in downtown, ULL and the Oil Center. Visit BikeLafayette's website for more info.