A Holiday on Two Wheels

Hi, I’m Matt Dove, Director of YBike, the YMCA of San Francisco’s Bicycle Education Program. I ride my bike to work almost every day- through rain, wind, and fog, and up and down the hills of San Francisco. Even on the worst of days, when my feet are wet, or I should’ve worn an extra layer, or I’m just plain feeling tired, my ride to work awakens and energizes me for the day ahead. Sometimes I see friends or familiar smiling faces along the way, sometimes I take a minute to stop and enjoy a nice view, like the one from Inspiration Point in the Presidio. Other times I put the pedal to the metal and try to climb that hill a little faster than I did the day before!

Bike to Work Day, May 11, 2017

There’s a standing holiday on my calendar that takes place on the 2nd Thursday in May every year. It’s a day where I invite everyone I know who is “bike-curious” to try riding to work, so they can share in the joy that I get out of my ride, and join the smiling faces I see on my way. There’s no better day to ride to work than one where you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by tens of thousands of other bike riders all on a journey together, especially if it’s your first time. This is Bike to Work Day, and it’s coming up Thursday, May 11th!

There are tons of resources to help you get ready to join the movement- both within the Y and beyond. The SF Bike Coalition sets up Energizer Stations all over the city where you can get a snack, some coffee, a cool tote-bag full of goodies, and even a high five! If you’re near the Golden Gate Bridge, maybe you can stop by the Energizer Station in the Presidio from 6:30 am - 10:00 am, co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust and the Y.

See you on your bike Thursday, May 11th!