ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority celebrated Bike Month on Thursday with a Bike Rally from the Orange Metrolink station to OCTA headquarters on Main Street in Orange.
More than two dozen riders took part in the 3-mile ride, including OCTA Director Gene Hernandez, also a member of the Yorba Linda City Council, and Orange Mayor Pro Tem Mike Alvarez.
Some of the cyclists rode mountain bikes and road bikes, while others hopped on electric bicycles, but all had the same goal – to spread the message about bicycle safety and to show others how fun and convenient it can be to commute by bike.
“Events like this help build awareness that getting behind the wheel of a car isn’t the only way to reach your destination,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “Active transportation such as bicycling and walking is not only convenient, it can also improve your health in the process.”
OCTA, Orange County’s transportation agency, helps plan and fund active transportation projects throughout the county and uses grant money to promote safety through partnerships and training with community organizations, cyclists and law enforcement.
May is National Bike Month and each year OCTA’s Bike Rally and other events during the month are an opportunity to showcase the benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to ride their bikes to school, work or around town.
For longer commutes around Orange County, cyclists can pair biking with a carpool, OC Bus or Metrolink ride.
Cyclists are also encouraged to pledge to ride their bike anytime during May on octa.net/BikeMonth to receive a coupon to Jax Bicycle Center and be entered to win a Trek FX 2 bike. Participants may also join OCTA’s Strava Club to track how many miles they’ve ridden during the month.
For more information on Bike Month and for bike safety tips, visit octa.net/BikeMonth.
Photo caption: OCTA Director Gene Hernandez, also a Yorba Linda Council member addresses a crowd at the 2019 Bike Rally, which promotes cycling as a convenient and healthy mode of transportation. Photo courtesy of OCTA.
