Ask Ginger: How to Get Kids Involved in the National Bike Challenge

By Let's Move Pittsburgh

You've got questions ... we’ve got answers! Email your queries about healthy foods, physical activity and screen time for kids and Ginger will answer them here on the Phipps blog.

Q: How can I get my kids involved in the National Bike Challenge? (Emma, Lawrenceville)

A: Great question! The National Bike Challenge is organized by People For Bikes as a way to encourage pedestrians from all over the country to come together for the love of cycling. The challenge runs Sun., May 1 –  Fri., Sept. 30, is open to everyone, and awards monthly prizes to randomly selected bicyclists. Although the National Bike Challenge may be a competitive adventure for some, it can also be a fun way to learn to ride, improve your health, save money and help the environment! If you are not competitive, the National Bike Challenge still encourages riders to log their miles as way to track progress towards the People For Bikes goal: to unite 100,000 riders to pedal 75 million miles! Talking with your kids about health benefits, the environment, and the 75 million mile goal are great ways to get your kids interested and excited about biking.  

Another great way to get your kids biking is to participate in National Bike to School Day on Wed., May 4. Bike to School Day is an extension of the National Walk to School Day, which began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at raising awareness for the need for walkable communities. For Bike to School Day, you can register an event on their website or simply upload photos or success stories about your biking journey. The National Center for Safe Routes to Schools organizes Bike and Walk to School Days and has many more resources for encouraging schools and communities to promote safer, healthier transportation. 

Before getting started on your bicycling journey, review the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver's Manual or BikePGH's Bike Commuting 101 for detailed safety tips. It is also important to review the bicycle and pedestrian laws found in Chapter 35 (Subchapters A and C) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.  For ideas on where to go, check out our 5-2-1-0 Every Day Pinterest board for articles and maps about bicycle paths around the city. Happy riding!