Did you know that each mile you bike, rather than drive, saves about 1 pound in CO2 emissions? There's no better month to exchange that belching internal combustion engine for pedals than Bike Month this May, and Seattle boasts one of the nation's largest such events.

The days will spin by quickly with such festive cycling activities as the Group Health Commute Challenge, in which teams of riders compete for prizes; a rally; downtown lunch-hour bike commute seminars; and a Bike to School Day event for kids.

Last year more than 19,000 people in the Seattle area cycled to work on Bike to Work Day in mid-May, and that number will surely be topped during this year's event on May 16. Pedal by one of forty-two Commute Stations that day to receive a free water bottle, snacks, maps, and a free bike safety check. And there's no experience necessary: twenty percent of the participants in last year's Commute Challenge were new to bike commuting.

Still hesitant? The Bicycle Alliance of Washington's Bike Buddy Commuting Program can match you with a trained volunteer mentor who is able and willing to do everything from helping you plot the smoothest route to work, to teaching efficient techniques for fixing a flat.

If you're already a regular cyclist, perhaps this is a good time to educate yourself (and offer your ideas) on Seattle's plans to make our city easier and safer for bike riders. Check out the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan, a working document that outlines steps to improve bike lanes, signage, parking and other urban cycling amenities.

Interesting in learning about more two-wheeled activities? Check out Cascade Bicycle Club and The Bicycle Alliance.

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