Carson's big wheels tour town on bikes

Mayor Bob Crowell took a break from his duties Monday to ride his bike through Carson City. And he wasn't alone.

He was joined by the sheriff, the superintendent of schools, several other city officials and volunteers from Muscle Powered, an organization advocating a more walkable, bikeable city.

"I think it's important as a community, as a society, we exercise for our health," Crowell said. "On your bike, you get a different perspective of life in Carson."

The bike ride, which began and ended in Telegraph Square, was organized by Muscle Powered as part of Bike Month.

"It brings attention to our event," said Jeff Potter, a Muscle Powered board member. "This is a fun way for them to see their city and look for ways we can make it better for cyclists and pedestrians."

Riding a bike equipped with sirens and flashing lights, Sheriff Ken Furlong was joined by Reserve Cmdr. Tom Crawford and Reserve Lt. Chris McMahon. Furlong said he was interested not only in the ride itself, but wanted to gain insight into the work officers do as they patrol on their bikes.

"The guys use their bikes on a lot of events downtown to get around," he explained. "We use them operationally all the time."

Richard Stokes, superintendent of the Carson City School District, said he's been riding his bike recently with his son, who was earning his Boy Scout cycling badge.

"Cycling is a great way to stay in shape," Stokes said. "There's beautiful country to see in Nevada."

The 2-mile loop through town was one of several activities being planned to celebrate biking this month. Kelly Clark, board member for Muscle Powered, said the events are designed to draw attention to cycling, but to also raise awareness among cyclists.

"We are really focused on the safety aspect," she said. "We want to get them to ride safely and legally."

She reminded all cyclists to ride with traffic and to obey the rules of the road. She said the rules are important to note as Bike to Work Week begins Monday. Businesses are encouraged to support their employees in using their bikes rather than their cars for a week as part of the Corporate Challenge.

Crowell said Monday's ride was a good cool-down exercise after joining Sunday's 30-mile Tour of Carson sponsored by Bike Habitat.

Although he's lived most of his life in this city, he said, he learned something as he rode around its perimeter:

"I didn't realize there were so many hills in Carson City."