We are working to make cycling a form of active transportation in the region. It is about creating momentum and bike advocacy for a true lifestyle change that starts with small steps. As Americans, we love our cars, no doubt about that. We think nothing of driving less than a mile to the bank, the store or even from one parking lot to another at a shopping center. Instead, save money, reduce stress, and help transform our streets into places for people, whether on a bike or walking on the sidewalk.
Try Biking Around Where You Live:
- Start by finding an affordable bike in good working condition. See our list of local bike shops.
- Take your bike out on quiet neighborhood streets, paved trails, etc. and ride around for 10-15 minutes getting comfortable with braking, changing gears, and adjusting your seat if needed.
- Practice riding with a buddy or a social club. There are many groups that you can join!
- Set a GOAL! Bike for fun, for your health, with your kids, to save the environment – whatever gets you pushing your pedals.
Try Biking to Work:
- Ride Smart – League of American Bicyclists Video Guides
- National Bike to Work Day Video Inspiration
Our number one tip for biking to work is to plan and practice! The bike route function on Google maps is quite good as a starting place for finding local routes with low stress streets, trails and roads with bike infrastructure. Be sure to test ride your route on a Saturday or Sunday morning when the roads are absent of rush hour traffic. Practice two routes in case you run into construction or other detours. Then prep your bike and clothes for the big day!
Information on Smart Cycling:
- Getting Started, “Driving Your Bike”
- Bicycle Equipment Checklist
- Cycling Safely, Predictably, and Visibly
- Video on why riding on the sidewalk is dangerous – trust us – it makes sense
Reasons You Should Hop on a Bike:
Why Local Businesses and Policy Makers Should Support Biking:
- Transform Your Workplace – 6 E’s of Bicycle Friendly Businesses
- Transform Our Cities – 6 E’s of a Bicycle Friendly Community
- Inspiration from a Mayor – Video of Pittsburgh
Tips for Bike Commuters
- Quick Tips – Smart Cycling Manual
- Every Day Riding
- Bike to Work & Beyond
Understand Bike Laws Before You Ride
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- Rules of the Road – What you need to know to be part of traffic, not apart from traffic.
- Ohio’s state bike laws
- City of Dayton bike laws* – Click Traffic Code Title VII, Chapter 74 – all applicable sections.
- City of Kettering bike laws* – Part Four, Chapter 474. Note the language about age and helmets as well as sidewalk riding allowance.
- City of Oakwood bike laws* – Click on Codified Ordinances, Volume #1, Chapter 3.
- City of Middletown bike laws – Click Code of Ordinances, Part Four Traffic Code, Title Ten Bicycles, Chapter 474. Note Bicycle Registration Forms.
- City of Miamisburg bike laws* – Click on Codified Ordinances – Traffic, scroll to Chapter 444. Note the requirement of licensing and registration card.
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City of Centerville bike laws* – Click Municipal Code, Part 04 – Traffic, scroll to Chapter 474.
- City of Beavercreek bike laws* – Click the link and go to Chapter 75 > Bicycles.
- City of Xenia bike laws – Click Part Four-Traffic Code, Title Six, Chapter 444
- The village of Yellow Springs bike laws * – Click Part Four-Traffic Code, Title Six, Chapter 444. Note the Manner of Operation “operated as closely as possible to the right side of the motor vehicular traveled portion of a street…”
- City of Fairborn bike laws* – Click on Fairborn Charter and Codified Ordinance, Part Three-Traffic Code, Title Nine, Chapter 353.
- City of Riverside bike laws* – Click Part Three, Traffic Code, scroll down to Chapter 373.
- City of Vandalia bike laws* – Click Part Four, Title Six, click on Chapter 444.
- City of Brookville bike laws – Click Part Three, Title Nine, Chapter 373
- City of Trotwood bike laws* – Click City Ordinances, Part Three, Title Nine, Chapter 373.
- City of Springfield bike laws* – Click on Part 3 – Traffic, Title Nine, click Chapter 373.
- Tipp City bike laws – Click Traffic Code, Chapter 75.
- City of Troy bike laws* – Click Part 3 – Traffic Code, Title Nine, click Chapter 373.
- City of Piqua bike laws – Click Traffic Code, Chapter 75.
- *All local municipalities have a unique language in their respective laws and ordinances. Please check what you can and cannot do on a bicycle in your town or village and verify it is the most up to date ordinance by contacting your local government office.