National Bicycle Month to be highlighted with family event

It’s time to pull that bike out of the garage, South Walton. Pump up the tires and lube the chain. Riding weather is here.
The Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization is hosting its first-ever May Day Family Bike Ride May 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at the South Walton Courthouse Annex to correlate with National Bicycle Month.
Cyclists will be able to ride on brand-new paved trails and have their bikes inspected for safety.
“The goal is to encourage families to utilize the off-road trails in their community and to get out and get some exercise together,” said TPO organizer Gina Watson. “Maybe  (after the event) they’ll continue to be active and get out and ride.”
Watson said they have planned for 40 people, but do not have an estimate on how many they think will attend. Free helmets, T-shirts, vests as well as giveaway prizes will be available at the event.
The League of National Bicyclists established National Bicycle Month more than 50 years ago and has a membership of more than 40,000 people and 600 organizations.
Another NBM event sponsored by the TPO will be held on Memorial Day in Destin at the Morgan Sports Complex.
“I think its great idea,” said Walton Commissioner Cindy Meadows. “Families are getting out and being more healthy.
Meadows said they have cleared a portion of Padgett Park to ride through and opened parking on J.D. Miller Road for Saturday’s event.
“It’s an all-around positive promotion for getting out and getting exercise,” she said. “I wish we made more days like this.”