You're setting an example, you're a leader.

Chances are you already bike to work, at least some of the time. Your co-workers see you arriving by bicycle wearing your work clothes. You aren't even sweaty or stinky. It was easy and fun and you beat the bus. You've planted a seed and your friends have been thinking about commuting for a while. Maybe even years.

Well May is National Bike Month, and the star of the month-long show is Bike To Work Day (BTWD). For many people, BTWD is just the excuse they need to get their wheels rolling for the first time.

Our Valencia Street Energizer Station

Community, city, and bicycle advocacy organizations make BTWD fun and easy (it'd be nice to stop for free coffee and fruit every morning). In response, bike lanes swell with excited, but unsteady riders. You'll see just as many saddles too low, or helmets on backwards, as you will smiles. That can make your usual route challenging in an unusual way.

But our hope is that these new riders don't stay newbies for long, as a body in motion tends to stay in motion. When you get to work, let your coworker tell you how awesome her ride was, and then let her know it can be like that everyday.

It's our hope these new commuters end up passing us one day. When they do, we'll keep to the right.

BTWD is May 8 in San Francisco, and May 16 nationally. Check with your local advocacy organization for your date. We're hosting an Energizer Station just outside the shop during the 5-7pm commute. If you need your saddle raised, your tires pumped, or just want to share your BTWD story, please stop by.

If that wasn't enough excitement for one day, May 16th is also National Sea Monkey day. Need some ideas? Visit the Sea Monkey Worship Page for music, menu, party favor suggestions, and more.