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The Dirt

Get ready for Week Without Driving

By: Pamela Thompson, for The Bike Campaign

This September, The Bike Campaign is participating in and getting the word out about Week Without Driving (WWD), a nationwide event to raise awareness about getting out of cars and using different methods of transportation, including bicycles, from September 30 through Sunday, October 6.

“When I first heard about WWD, I thought ‘At last, someone has tackled the real reason why kids don’t ride their bikes to school. During COVID and during the summer, we have the opportunity to see how empty the streets in front of many schools are, instead of the chaotic traffic congestion that makes having kids ride/walk/roll to schools seem so scary.’,” Maria Contreras Tebbutt said. “We need to put the needs of our kids first and awaken to the reality that driving isn’t a sustainable reality for many families.”

Cycling in Davis is easy and comes with added benefits. “Not having to drive all the time can give you the opportunity to get out and smell the roses, hear the birds, smile at people and connect with the outdoors and our community,” Tebbutt said. “All of these have tremendous value for our bodies, minds, and spirits.”

If you haven’t used your bicycle in a while, you should inspect it to ensure it’s in working order. “Take an inventory of your bikes. Are they all ready to ride? Do seats need to be raised to accommodate growing children? Is it time to replace some of them?” Tebbutt suggests. “How about helmets? Do they fit, are they safe to wear (no cracks or broken parts)? Ride with your family and discover the joy that can last a lifetime.”

Not mechanically inclined? “The Bike Garage understands that you don’t always know how to keep your bike rolling and we are dedicated to helping anyone in our community to convert driving miles to bike riding miles,” Tebbutt said. “Our Bike Garage is located at 1500 Cannery Avenue and is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. We provide free bike repair services and have great used bikes for sale.”

Used bikes at The Bike Garage have been inspected and tested by mechanics and are ready to ride. Locks, lights, and helmets are also available for purchase. “Every cent from our sales goes to providing our free bike repair services and providing Bike Skills Training at local elementary schools,” Tebbutt said.

If you want to learn to ride or need a refresher course, private cycling coaching is available for kids, students, adults. “We can get you off to a safe and comfortable start whether you are brand new to riding, haven’t ridden in a long time, or want to develop your street riding skills,” Tebbutt said.

The Bike Campaign, along with its counterpart, The Bike Garage, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 to help educate people about bicycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes. We work closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts, and community service groups.

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