May 2012

May is Bike Month 2012
Let’s get in gear for “May is Bike Month”!  Now is the perfect time to improve our health and air quality in the Sacramento region.  By collectively replacing the 1.2 million vehicle miles pledged, the Sacramento Region could save approximately 500,000 pounds of global-warming CO2 and more than 6,000 pounds of other air pollution from our atmosphere!  Last year, cyclists saved 23,049 gallons of gasoline worth about $96,573.78.  Let’s keep pedaling, every mile makes a difference, and together our action will benefit our waistlines, health and air quality.

Spare the Air 2012
The Sacramento region's 2012 Spare the Air ozone season began on Tuesday, May 1.  In September 2011, President Obama ordered the federal 8-hour ozone standard be kept at .075 parts per million, prompting this year’s Spare the Air trigger to be reduced from .095 ppm to .086 ppm.  Although there will be more Spare The Air days due to the lower trigger, it does not mean air quality has gotten worse.  The reduction is simply a response to the latest health effects information showing that ozone is harmful even at lower levels.

Do your part to “Spare the Air” by leaving your vehicle in the garage – ride a bike, walk, or take public transit for errands or to work.  Or consider working remotely, carpooling, or delaying errands.