OCTA encourages people to ride their bikes during National Bike Month

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is encouraging people of all ages, including those working from home, to stay active and get outdoors to safely travel by bicycle during the month of May – National Bike Month.

OCTA is leading a month-long challenge called “Get in Gear 2023.” Participants are encouraged to pledge to ride as many days as they can during May – for better health and to discover the fun and convenience of active transportation.

“Many of us were forced to change our work and travel habits in the last few years because of the pandemic and, as we get out more for work and leisure, I hope that more people will explore the option of riding a bike as part of how they get around,” said OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the mayor of Yorba Linda. “There are so many opportunities for cyclists out there and it promotes better health, for individuals and for the community. So please join us for a ride this month.”

Bike Month in Orange County will be highlighted with:

• A Bike Rally from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 18th from the Orange Metrolink Station to the OCTA Administrative Headquarters at 600 S. Main Street in Orange.

The bike rally, which was last held in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, is an approximate 3-mile ride, followed by an event featuring speakers, a free t-shirt for each participant, snacks and raffle prizes. Those planning to participate are asked to RSVP at www.octa.net/bikemonth.

Bike to Work Week is traditionally held in May. This year, OCTA is holding the month-long challenge, encouraging people to pledge on the website to do one or all four challenges, including:

• Biking to work or school
• Biking to go shopping
• Biking for fun, and
• Biking for fitness

For each category a participant pledges, they get one entry in a raffle for a chance at two prizes: a Trek Verve 1 Disc Lowstep Bike (a $680 value) and a Bontrager Ion Elite R front bike light (a $120 value.) The prizes are provided courtesy of Jax Bicycles.

Participants can get a fifth entry by joining the OCTA Strava Club through OCTA’s website, which helps riders track their bike rides and get community support for staying active.

More information is available and pledges can be made at www.octa.net/bikemonth.

OCTA also encourages cyclists to bike smart and stay safe. For bicycle safety tips, please visit www.octa.net/bike.

Orange County has plenty of options for cyclists, from the foothills to the beaches, with more than 1,000 miles of bikeways. Also, the more people choose to ride a bike as an alternative to getting behind the wheel of a car, the better it is for Orange County’s air quality.

About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail, environmental programs and active transportation.