Dozens of communities across the Southeast are gearing up for National Bike-to-Work Month. Throughout the month of May, commuters are encouraged to explore auto-alternative options, including biking, walking, and riding pubic transit.

Bicycling is part of the solution to many of our nation’s problems: the obesity epidemic, traffic congestion, and air pollution. Some 64% of adults and over 15% of kids are overweight today, resulting in 300,000 premature deaths and a cost to society of $117 billion a year, according to the League of American Bicyclists. Over 22% of all motor vehicle trips Americans take are less than one mile long, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work, an easily bikeable distance. If the average person biked to work or shopping once every two weeks instead of driving, we could prevent the pollution of close to one billion gallons of gasoline from entering the atmosphere every year.

Nervous about biking to work by yourself? On Bike to Work Day (May 7) in Atlanta and in D.C., “trains” of bicyclists will follow routes throughout the city, arriving at scheduled locations for other commuter cyclists to hop on board. The single-file groups of bicyclists will be led by a cycling engineer and escorted by a cycling conductor to greet fellow cyclists at stops along the route. Bicycle clubs in both cities will distribute printed schedules of the bicycle convoy routes.

Asheville will celebrates auto-alternative for an entire week during Strive Not to Drive Week (May 8-15) with group rides, festivals, workshops, and rallies. Like most areas in the Southeast, Asheville’s air pollution woes are the number-one reason for getting out of the car; at least 25% of pollutants are emitted by automobiles, according to the EPA. But Strive Not to Drive organizers also emphasize the health benefits of exercise and the community benefits of pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets.

Charlottesville bicycle enthusiasts can get a free ride on Clean Commute Day, which is scheduled for May 7. Charlottesville Transit Service will allow bikers to put their bikes on bus racks and ride at no cost in an effort to encourage the bike-and-ride concept. And on that same day in Richmond and Roanoke, free breakfasts and lunches will be served to commuters at parks and transit centers. Dates for bike-to-work days and activities vary by location. Contact your local bike club for more information Bike-to-Work activities in your community.

-Will Harlan