EverybodyBike FAQ
What is everybodyBIKE?
EverybodyBIKE is the bicycle education program for Whatcom Smart Trips. No matter what your age or ability level, everybodyBIKE skills-building assistance can help bicycling become part of your transportation portfolio.
What kinds of assistance does everybodyBIKE offer?
everybodyBIKE offers many types of free assistance to help you find out how you and your family can cycle comfortably, safely, and often. Check out our educational materials, classes, community bike rides and events, and bike buddies.
Who supports EverybodyBike?
EverybodyBIKE and Whatcom Smart Trips are funded by these local agencies:
- City of Bellingham
- Whatcom County
- Whatcom Transportation Authority
- Whatcom Council of Governments
In addition, everybodyBike was awarded a three-year grant from the Federal Highway Administration Transportation Enhancements program for the years 2007-9.
I’m new to bike commuting, what assistance does everybodyBIKE offer?
Here are some resources to help you in getting ready to bike commute:
EverybodyBIKE offers monthly classes and seasonal recreation rides to teach the basics of bicycling for new and experienced riders. Check the everybodyBIKE calendar for upcoming classes and rides.
I’m an avid cyclist: where can I find some faster group rides?
Advanced Bike Riders: Enjoy regular weekly or monthly recreational rides with bicyclist groups going your speed. Bike shops and local bike clubs offer group rides almost every day of the week. Be ready to roll, though, because some of them are race training speed (18 - 20 mph), others are event training rides (14 to 16 mph), and some are mountain bike adventures. Check Mt. Baker Bicycle Club for current rides and races.
What are some benefits of bicycling for transportation?
Bicycling for some of your short trips (2 miles or less) is a great way to reduce traffic congestion, save money, and get a little exercise. Bicycling instead of driving even for one trip a week will help keep taxes low as road building costs sky rocket. Half the air pollution in Washington State comes from motor vehicles, so bicycling can improve community health by helping keep our air and water clean.
Most car trips people make each day are less than five miles and that is a reasonable distance for bicycling. Short car trips can be the most polluting because the pollution “filter” (the catalytic converter) does not work effectively until warmed up. That means commuters who think they are polluting less by driving 2 miles instead of 10 are, in fact, polluting just as much or more.
Bicycling and walking are good for physical health. Researchers found that physically active transportation as part of a daily routine is more effective over the long term than exercise programs that have to be scheduled. Communities are healthier where people walk or bicycle because of the increased social interaction and reduced crime. For more information about the benefits of bicycling and walking for transportation, check these resources:
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