May is revving up to be a wheel-y good time for New Yorkers as the Bike Everywhere Month officially kicks off, inviting folks to explore the city on two wheels. According to a recent announcement on the Seattle Department of Transportation blog, the event aims to encourage residents to cycle to work, school, and other haunts around Seattle, with a host of resources and events lined up to support the two-wheeled adventures throughout the month.

For those who don't own a bike, the city's rolling out bike and scooter share options to make sure nobody is left behind. Sharing the details, the SDOT blog states that you can start by checking out the Seattle by Bike Guide which covers the basics from pre-ride checks to navigating the city's bikeways. As per the guide, rental rates for these shared rides start with a one-dollar unlock fee, followed by a per-minute charge, all subject to taxes and fees.

Safety also takes the front seat with a push for proper bike maintenance and the use of helmets. Riders are encouraged to perform an "ABC Quick Check" – a look-over of Air, Brakes, and Chains – to ensure their ride is safe before setting off. The blog also reminds readers to make sure they're seen and understood on the road, recommending hand signals for any changes in biking speed or direction of travel.

Beyond just the joy of the ride, cycling is applauded for its environmental benefits. "Transportation is the largest contributor to Seattle’s greenhouse gas emissions, but with every new bike trip, we eliminate an average of 366 grams of carbon dioxide for our city," mentions a SDOT spokesperson in the announcement. The SDOT underscores its commitment to this green transit option by highlighting the protected bike lanes and neighborhood greenways they've introduced, aiming for the city's goal towards carbon neutrality.

The month-long event also gives a nod to inclusivity with the Adaptive Cycling Program, run by Outdoors for All in partnership with SDOT, which offers free rentals of adaptive bikes and trikes. According to the SDOT blog, this initiative caters to riders with disabilities as well as those who are no longer comfortable riding a standard bicycle, making it a welcoming event for cyclists of all abilities starting from age 7 and up.