Gear up, have fun and earn a prize during National Bike Month

Independent Health sponsoring Bike Month contest, partnering with GObike Buffalo & Reddy Bikeshare to offer community activities

With May being National Bike Month, Independent Health is giving Western New Yorkers a chance to win a Bike Month prize pack.

A press release stated, “If you love bicycling in Western New York, we want to hear about it. In 350 words or less, tell us why you love riding a bike – is it your main mode of transportation? Has it helped you in your health and wellness journey? Is it something you enjoy doing with your family? Submit your story by May 24, and you could win the grand prize, courtesy of Independent Health.”

The Bike Month prize pack includes:

√ One $200 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods

√ Two complimentary SkyRide registrations with two bike helmets

√ Two free annual memberships to Reddy Bikeshare (or two $40 riding credits for existing members)

√ One Independent Health prize pack

Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of New York state. Essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges. To submit a story, visit independenthealth.com/bikemonth.

Community Biking Events Planned for May

The press release continued, “Independent Health is also excited to partner with GObike Buffalo and Reddy Bikeshare to help raise awareness on all the ways you can celebrate bicycling in Western New York.”

•GObike Buffalo is “the ultimate resource for all things bicycling in our region, connecting you to more than 30 different events across Buffalo and Niagara Falls during Bike Month.”

Independent Health will be at the following events with free giveaways, while supplies last:

√ May 6 – “Bike Month Blastoff” at GObike’s Headquarters (313 Broadway) | noon to 4 p.m.

√ May 17 – “Bike to Work Pit Stop Party” (Delaware and Utica) | 8-10 a.m.

Visit gobikebuffalo.org for the latest updates on Bike Month events.

•Reddy Bikeshare, presented by Independent Health, “is an easy, affordable and fun way to get around. Now in its eighth season, there are more than 400 Reddy bikes at 110-plus stations across Buffalo and Niagara Falls available for short-term rent, making it easy to commute to work, ride to school, visit your favorite park or take a leisurely roll.”

Look for Reddy Bikeshare at various events this Bike Month and beyond with special discounts on memberships. Those who ride 100-plus miles on a Reddy bike this summer may also be eligible to win prizes. To learn more about the “100-Mile Challenge,” visit www.reddyblogshare.com.

Independent Health Senior Corporate Wellness Specialist Michelle Carbery said, “There are so many great reasons to ride a bicycle. Not only is it good for the environment and a fun way to see the sights, but it’s also an excellent and low-impact form of exercise for all ages. Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis. In fact, people who bike to work or school show fewer risk factors for heart disease and are more fit than other commuters.”