May is National Bike Month! As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, many people are dusting off their bikes and getting ready to ride. That being said, if your bike has been sitting in storage all winter or even if you’ve been riding year-round, a professional inspection is essential to make sure it’s safe and road ready. While the recommended frequency of bike inspections varies based on age of the bike, how often it is used, and the conditions it is used in; the general consensus amongst bike mechanics is that they should be checked about every six months.
With packed schedules and daily demands, finding the time for maintenance can be challenging. That’s where Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) comes in. We can assist with planning and hosting a convenient, on-site bike inspection event. These events make it easier than ever to keep your bike in top shape all year and can be great for promoting active commuting, as well as health and wellness initiatives for your staff and tenants.
Below, we’ll break down the benefits of hosting a Bike Tune-Up event at your office, how they work, and how to get started today!
For employees, tenants, and residents; biking is a convenient and healthy way to commute to work or explore the outdoors. Arlington’s Gold Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists highlights the county’s outstanding cycling infrastructure. This includes miles of bike-friendly roads and scenic trails, which are featured in BikeArlington’s 2024 Bicycle Comfort Level Map. A Bike Tune-Up event is a great way to get your employees and tenants ready to take advantage of Arlington’s fantastic trails and bike paths.
Bike Tune-Up events also support active lifestyles by helping to ensure bikes are safe and functional. Whether someone is a daily commuter or casual rider, these events are a great way to encourage more people to ride and get outside. They also can help bolster organization goals around health, wellness, sustainability, and employee satisfaction.
Additionally, businesses and property managers who host a Bike Tune-Up event can earn Gold Level credit in ATP’s Champions program. It’s a smart, visible way to demonstrate your commitment to wellbeing and sustainability – while also fostering employee morale and retention.
Bike Tune-Up’s are flexible, pop-up style events that can be held on their own or part of a larger program or initiative. ATP will work closely with your organization to understand your goals and partner with a local bike shop or co-op to bring a professional mechanic to your event.
Events typically last 1-2 hours and include complimentary inspections and minor repairs. Common services include:
If a bike requires more extensive repairs, the mechanic will explain the issue and provide guidance on the next steps, including cost estimates and where to go. ATP staff will also be on hand to share helpful resources and answer transportation-related questions.
If you think hosting a Bike Tune-Up event could benefit your workplace or property, or your employees or tenants have expressed an interest, ATP is here to make the process straightforward and hassle-free. All that’s required is a suitable space for the event. Once the event has been scheduled, you simply need to promote it to your employees or tenants. ATP will handle the rest, including coordinating with local bike shops, providing promotional materials, and assisting with supporting the event on-site.
It’s a simple, effective way to support sustainable transportation and promote active commuting at your office or property.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your Bike Tune-Up event!
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners