If the kind of weather we had today (May 7, 2009) prevails next week, then riding your bike to work will be a blast.

Any way, riding a bike is good for you.

Here are five good health reasons for riding a bike from about.com

—Increased cardiovascular fitness

—Increased strength

—Increased balance and flexibility

—Increased endurance and stamina

—Increased calories burned

It can be done by people of all ages, from childhood up even through the adult years when achy joints don’t allow for more stressful exercise like jogging.

To encourage more trips to work on a bicycle, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services together with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Department of Roads are celebrating May as National Bike Month and May 11-15 as Bike to Work Week.

Nationally, transportation on a bicycle is low at about 1% of all trips. In Nebraska, the rate is less than half that.

“Nebraska has a vast network of scenic rural roads, trail systems and pleasant weather conditions, making the Cornhusker state a favorable place to bike to work and to get physically active,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. “Increased bicycle riding will promote health and wellness and help to become or stay fit, avoid overweight and obesity, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and conditions.”

Here are some tips that will help you enjoy biking to work more:

• Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
• Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
• Ride the right-most lane that goes in the direction you are traveling
• Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
• Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
• Be visible and predictable at all times
• Wear bright clothing and signal turns