May is the month to ditch your MetroCard, hop on your Novara bike and support Transportation Alternatives’ mission to reclaim New York City’s streets from the automobile.

National bike month is sweeping the country. The reality is that most of us New Yorkers wake up and stumble to our bus stop, eyes more or less shut until coffee hits our lips. If the bus is not your mode of transportation, chances are you take the subway to work and leave the Huffy to rust.

Each year, the Department of Transportation and Transportation Alternatives team up to bring Bike Month NYC, a city-wide campaign to promote the joys of cycling in New York City, including over 200 rides, workshops, races and events throughout the month. Before getting all giddy and jumping on your bike, be sure to read through all of the Biking Rules … and always wear your helmet.

There are many benefits to biking your drive and dedicating a month to transition your commute – at the very least, it will peel you away from the subway and allow your eyes to appreciate what the city has above ground!