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Duke to Celebrate Bike Commuters in May

Breakfast and a bike tour highlight National Bike Month activities

Nearly 1,100 faculty, staff and students are registered as bike commuters at Duke. They'll be able to celebrate their mode of transportation with events held throughout May. Photo by Bryan Roth.
Nearly 1,100 faculty, staff and students are registered as bike commuters at Duke. They'll be able to celebrate their mode of transportation with events held throughout May. Photo by Bryan Roth.

The nearly 1,100 faculty, staff and students who are registered as bike commuters enjoy a variety of benefits – from discounts at local businesses to free daily parking passes – but throughout May, the entire Duke community is invited to enjoy the perks of riding a bike.

May is National Bike Month, and Duke’s Parking and Transportation Services has planned several activities in May to highlight the alternative commuting option used by many on campus and across the country. Events kick off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29, with bicyclist swag giveaways and informational handouts at the Duke Farmers Market.

“We love taking time during this annual celebration of biking to let people know we appreciate their commitment to a carbon-free commute,” said Alison Carpenter, manager of Duke’s transportation demand management program. “It’s a small way to give back and show we care."

In recent years, the League of American Bicyclists has recognized Duke and Durham as a Bicycle Friendly University and Community. Last year, Duke received a “Golden Modes” award from GoSmart as “Employer Commute Champion” for providing employees top-tier commuter benefits and facilities.

Check out these events to see how you can put some pedal power in your commute. 

Unpark Yourself at the Duke Farmers Market

May 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking and Transportation Services will join LIVE FOR LIFE at the Duke Farmers Market to provide sustainable commute resources and Unpark Yourself giveaways.  The Market is located on the green space behind the Searle Center, between the Nanaline Duke and Bryan Research buildings

Duke Bicyclist Appreciation Breakfast

May 20, 8 to 10 a.m.

Staff from Parking and Transportation Services, Sustainable Duke, and LIVE FOR LIFE will share refreshments on the Bryan Center Plaza to celebrate Bike to Work Day. All Duke community members are invited, regardless of whether they bike to campus or not. Along with coffee and breakfast items, visitors can pick up bicycling swag, get a free bike inspection from Durham Cycles and chat with representatives from Bern Helmets, Zagster bike share and KIND Bars

Campus Bike Tour and Free Lunch

May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Interested in experiencing campus cycling? Enjoy an organized group ride on-and-around campus to learn the best routes. An RSVP is required with this form, as only 20 spots are available. Lunch will be included and participants can ride their own bag or use a Zagster bike for the tour. 

Local bikers can also find a series of events held in Durham on this calendar.