Hey Seniors, put that cap and gown back into your closet and get out your biking shorts. This year May 15 marks the beginning of Pioneer Valley Bike Week, an event organized by MassBike to catch the eye of any cyclist, regardless of skill or age.

Bike Week boasts a variety of events, ranging from safety and maintenance clinics, Nature Bike Tours to film screening of the file Bicycle Dreams, an award-winning documentary about the cross-country Race Across America.

Most notable is the Leeds Ride for Hotel Bridge, where bikers can ride in order to raise money for the preservation of the historic Leeds Bridge, which was built nearly two centuries ago.

MassBike is a local not-for-profit which aims to promote cycling within the community and secure safer and better conditions for cyclists. It was formed in 1977 and has flourished as more and more people take an interest in cycling. Past accomplishments have included the building of bike trails and negotiating with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for better integration and accessibility in what seems to be the Age of the Motorist.

“The most rewarding thing is working with other people who have a belief that cycling is a useful means of transportation and is helpful to many people.” Said Alice Badecker, an elementary school teacher who has worked towards teaching adults as well as children the benefits of cycling. “Promoting education to the public about cyclists rights and responsibilities can benefit all cyclists, no matter what the ability level of the riders.”

Safety for cyclists has always been a serious issue for MassBike and other cyclist coalitions. According to the New York Times, 90% of bike-car crashes are due to negligent driving by motorists. Recently MassBike has helped update the Bicyclist Safety Bill in order to combat cycling accidents within Massachusetts. Among other restrictions, motorists can now be ticketed and fined for opening a door directly into the path of a cyclist. Cyclists are no longer required to make directional signals when it compromises their ability to operate the breaks or steering and are now longer required to ride single file unless being passed by a vehicle.

Local Bike Week Events

Saturday, May 15
Northampton: Baystate Village Bike Bonanza: 1-4 p.m. at Maines Field, 570 Riverside Drive. Tune-ups, bicycle decorating, Pedal People trailers to try out, safety clinic, games and prizes.

Sunday, May 16
Hadley: Bird and Nature Bike Tour with David King: 9-10 a.m. Meet at the north end of the West Street commons by the dyke.

Monday, May 17
Holyoke: Commuter Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. at Highland Bike and Hardware, 917 Hampden St.

Tuesday, May 18
Amherst: Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: 3:30-5:30 p.m. on the Town Common.
Amherst: Bike Film Fest:
Bike Songs at 5:45 p.m. Bike Poetry Slam at 6:00 p.m., Commuter Award from Energy Taskforce at 6:15 p.m., Return of the Scorcher (film by Ted White) at 6:30 p.m., Lecture on the Critical Mass Movement by Ted White at 6:30 p.m., The Bicyclists (film) at 7:15 p.m. At Jones Library, 43 Amity Street.

Wednesday, May 19
Amherst: Bicycle Rodeo and Learn to Ride: 1:45-4:45 p.m. on the Town Common.
Amherst: Youth Bicycle Safety Videos and Discussion: 4 p.m. at the Bang Center Pole Room, 70 Boltwood Walk. Contact: Ralph Sturgen, (413)427-6527.
Amherst: Adult Bicycle Education: 6 p.m. at the Bang Center Pole Room, 70 Boltwood Walk. Contact: Ralph Sturgen, (413)427-6527.
Northampton Bike Breakfast: 7-10 a.m. on the Courthouse Lawn, 15 Gothic Street. Stop by on your way to work or school and enjoy a meal with your fellow cyclists!

Thursday, May 20
Amherst: Bike Film Fest 2010: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Jones Library, 43 Amity Street. Four seperate sessions: 9-11 a.m., 12-2:30 p.m., 3-5:30 p.m. (special invitation to students and teachers, and 6:30-9 p.m..
Amherst: Classic and Modern Bicycle Display: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Jones Library, 43 Amity Street.
Hadley: Commuter Breakfast: 7-10 a.m. at Valley Ski and Bike Werks, 173 Russel Road.
Northampton: Short Film Series: 6:30 p.m. at 60 Masonic Street in the Frances Crowe Room.

Friday, May 21
Amherst: Breakfast and WRSI Radio Show: 7-10:30 a.m. on the Town Common.
Amherst: Bird and Beaver Twilight Ride: 6 p.m. Meet on the North Common. Bring: a bike with headlight & taillight (the Amherst Police will have a few taillights available), insect repellent, a jacket, binoculars & field guide (we can share), notebook and pen, something to drink. Children 16 and under must wear a helmet. Note: there are no restrooms on the trail. Please RSVP to lmg07@yahoo.com.

Saturday, May 22
Northampton: Bike Commuting and Repair Clinic: 11 a.m.-3p.m. at Pulaski Park, 17 New South St.
Northampton: Film Screening of “Bicycle Dreams”: 7 p.m. at the Academy of Music, 274 Main Street. $8.

Related posts:

1. What I Learned This Week
2. I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike
3. Public Safety reports rise in bicycle thefts on campus
4. Home Movie Day comes to the Pioneer Valley
5. Students organize bicycle event for Pangy day