The North Carolina Department of Transportation kicks off its celebration of National Bike Month this month.

NCDOT encourages North Carolinians to get outside and enjoy the array of activities cycling has to offer. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and established in 1956, it is celebrated in communities from coast to coast. It serves as a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling, as well as a way to encourage more people to give biking a shot.

There are several ways to implement biking into one’s life and people participate in bike-riding for many reasons: some people just enjoy riding bicycles, for one; for some, bike-riding serves as an alternate means of commuting to and from school or work; some ride to save money or time; some ride as a means to better physical fitness, as well as protecting the environment from car emissions that would have otherwise been released into the air; and some ride bikes to simply explore one’s community. All in all, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons people ride bikes.

From 2000 to 2013, bike commuting to work has grown by 62 percent. With growing cultural awareness around health and wellness, sustainability and economic savings, bicycling is being seen by new and wider audiences as a simple solution to many complex problems — from reducing obesity rates to increasing mobility options.

Much like any other activity in existence, there is always safety involved. When riding, keep in mind that there are a few ways to ensure one’s cycling experience is not only enjoyable and effective in each person’s respective reason for biking, but also safe and hazard-free. When biking, it is best to exercise these practices: wear a proper-fitting helmet; refrain from wearing clothes that are loose-fitting to avoid clothing from becoming entangled in gears and/or chains; wear bright colors when biking day or night and especially remember to wear reflective gear when riding at night or in the case of inclement weather; respect other travelers in the area in which one is biking — whether it’s a trail or a roadway; announce oneself when intending to pass another traveler — pedestrian or cyclist; yield to traffic at intersections; stay as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when passing; indicate one’s intention to turn or pass, giving the proper hand signals to drivers, other cyclists or pedestrians; and equip one’s bike with lights when riding at night.

Biking can be a fun and effective experience for those wishing to participate. Regardless of one’s reason, all should keep safety at the forefront of the activity.