Leaders take two-wheeled tour of Carson City

Carson City transportation manager Patrick Pittenger had two reasons for joining Muscle Powered’s annual Celebrity Bike Ride as part of National Bike Month.

“It’s a positive way to show support of the community and to make sure we’re encouraging bicycling in the community,” he said. “At the same time, we want to make motorists aware. We want motorists to see bicyclists; that makes it safer.”

About 20 city leaders pedaled together Monday morning through the streets of west Carson City.

Jeff Moser, who organized the ride through Muscle Powered, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating more bikeable and walkable community, said his motivations were dual-pronged.

“It’s a good opportunity to get the city leaders out her and see what Carson City has done for bicycling,” he said. “Also, they can see what things can be improved.”

For Nick Marano, the newly appointed city manager, it was a convenient place to meet all the department directors.

“It’ll be great,” he said. “I can’t wait.”

Roger Moellendorf, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, has ridden in the area several times with his wife when visiting the farmers markets in the summer, he said, but this was his first time joining the official ride.

“Muscle Powered does a great job of promoting alternate methods of transportation,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to pedal around old Carson City. It’s just beautiful.”

School district Superintendent Richard Stokes has participated almost every year.

“It’s a great event,” he said. “I think it sets a good example from community leaders to our youth about the great recreational and health opportunities we have available to us.”

Kelly Clark, a Muscle Powered board member, said she wanted to remind people of two laws passed in 2011. One requires passing cars to give cyclists 3 feet of distance, and to move into the center lane when possible. The other created a mechanism to fine drivers for reckless driving if they struck a bicyclist.

“We thinks it’s really important to educate everyone,” she said.

With the sound of Moser’s bike bell, the group took off from Telegraph Square.

“It’s a good day to think about a healthy environment and a healthy body,” said Mayor Robert Crowell.