Move4May
Fostering a Healthy Tigard
Last month was historic. For the first time in almost 120 years, we saw measurable snow in mid-April. This unexpected arctic blast kept many of us from getting outside and enjoying the first weeks of spring.
With the snow (hopefully) past us, I invite you to get outside and be active during our Move4May initiative. We are partnering with groups like Bird, Lime, Vvolt Bikes, Safe Routes to School, and WashCo Bikes on a series of activities that support our vision to be “an equitable community that is walkable, healthy, and accessible for everyone.”
On Wednesday, May 4, hundreds of Tigard students and families will participate in Walk and Roll to School Day. This annual event promotes safe, welcoming routes to walk or bike to school. By walking or biking to school, students make positive impacts on our environment. For every 100 students at a school who walk or bike every day during the school year, nearly 35,000 pounds of pollutants are kept out of our air.
Tigard youth will have opportunities to show off their running and biking skills at a mini duathlon on Saturday, May 21. Participants will run and then bike around Summerlake Park. Don’t have a bike? We can help! Contact kaitlynl@tigard-or.gov for details.
During the pandemic, many adults have rediscovered the joy of biking. This joy can be tested, though, when your bike is suddenly in need of repair. We have partnered with WashCo Bikes to help you fight through the temptation to let minor repairs prevent you from riding. On Saturday, May 21, WashCo Bikes staff will teach basic bicycle repair and maintenance skills in a friendly, supportive environment.
Move4May events will also highlight e-bikes and e-scooters, which are increasing in popularity throughout the country. For instance, in 2020, Americans purchased 500,000 e-bikes. Clever Cycles, Cynergy E-Bikes, and Vvolt Bikes will be at events in May to offer you chances to learn about and test-ride a variety of e-bike models.
Bird and Lime—two of the world’s most prominent e-scooter companies—will be present to discuss the versatility and flexibility of shared e-scooters, which make them ideal for short trips and last-mile connections to transit.
From health and fitness bingo to a story walk, there are Move4May self-paced challenges throughout the month. Find a complete list of Move4May events on the city’s website.
I invite you to share your Move4Move successes or ask city-related questions at my next Fireside Chat on Thursday, May 12, in the Community Room at the Tigard Library. In the meantime, if you have questions or comments about any city-related issue, you can reach me at jason@tigard-or.gov or 503-810-0269.
