Shift Gears: It's National Bike Month

In my mind I’m 10 years old again, peddling to school on my hot pink banana bike with my Thomas the Tank Engine backpack in tow. The wind’s blowing through my hair, and I’m on cloud nine. It’s been years since I’ve felt this sort of elation and freedom.

Then, just like that, I snap out of my drifting thoughts as a fellow cyclist whooshes past me ringing his bell. I’m once again in-tune with reality and my surroundings.

My bike is no longer that hot pink, chrome-covered banana bike of my youth. Instead, I’m riding into work on a 26-inch Schwinn Perla Cruiser and sporting a cool Barrage Cargo backpack from Chrome.

In case you haven’t heard, it’s National Bike Month, and cyclists across the country are cleaning spokes and tuning tires.

Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, these few weeks are a chance to explore the many benefits of cycling and to encourage more people to pump pedals, not gasoline.

Whether you’re a surf shop owner in Monterey or a law clerk in Midtown Manhattan, anyone who is anyone is encouraged to participate for reasons unique to their own. Maybe you’re riding to reduce emissions. Maybe you’re riding to turn your commute into a workout. Or maybe you’re like me and are riding to rekindle the spirit of your youth.

Whatever your motive, be sure to carry your on-the-go essentials with Chrome.

For more than 20 years, Chrome is known the world over for crafting robust, durable gear for people who live and ride in the city. These street-tested backpacks, messenger bags, laptop bags and footwear quickly adapt to the changing and unpredictable nature of the city.

But as much as I love my Barrage Cargo backpack, with its laptop compartment, slip-in side pocket for my water bottle and foam back panel, I’m thinking of trying the Conway tech-savvy messenger bag. Here’s why:

The mole webbing provides maximum night visibility, the quick access compartment holds my cell phone, and the removable stabilizer strap means I can turn this into a stylish crossbody to tote around the office. Furthermore, its weatherproof design is built with sturdy nylon and a waterproof tarpaulin liner, so my belongings will always stay dry from passing showers and splashing cars.

So … will you be giving National Bike Month a try? Awesome! But before you do, be sure to reference this tip sheet to learn more about the ABCs of a basic bike check and ways to ride safely.

Finally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends you implement these seven smart routes to cycle safely!

1.) Protect your head. Wear a helmet in high-traffic areas. 2.) Assure bicycle readiness. Ensure proper size and function of your bike. 3.) Ride wisely. Learn and follow the rules of the road. 4.) Be predictable. Act like a driver of a vehicle. 5.) Be visible. See and be seen at all times. 6.) “Drive” with care. Share the road. 7.) Stay focused. Stay alert.