Turning My Black Friday into a BIKE Friday
This blog was originally published in 2020 and is reposted here with minor revisions.
By Kelly Morphy, Executive Director, Florida Bicycle Association
This year, let’s change up the way we give thanks: let’s use the holiday to launch new traditions that build long-term health and community prosperity. Here is where I’ve started:
I’ve turned Black Friday into BIKE Friday.
The dubious shopping day known as Black Friday already has a dark past—from its origins in 1869 when gold prices triggered a securities market crash to the modern-day viral videos that prove it spurs some appalling public behavior.
I’ve never been much of a Black Friday shopper (or much of a shopper, for that matter), but I’m drawing a line in the sand and going for a bike ride instead.
I’d like to ask you to join me in making this shift. Here are some benefits I see to BIKE Friday:
Get exercise: Physical activity is good for our brains and our bodies. And, outdoors is better than indoors right now. We get our money’s worth from the great Florida weather for which we pay. (Yes, the cost of living may be low, but we pay in other ways; Florida Man, anyone?) The temps and skies in most of Florida should be glorious for outdoor exercise this Friday.
Build transportation independence: Bicycling helps kids build transportation independence. They learn to navigate the environment while also picking up an activity they can do increasingly autonomously as they get older (or when the world has to go on lockdown and group activities are canceled.) Being physical also helps kids learn to fall down, which I often lament is a skill that needs more emphasis. (I think this guy is my hero.)
Create a more bikeable Florida: We can contribute to a more bikeable future by logging the ride in the free Love to Ride Florida Challenge. (There are prizes to be won, as well, for rides logged by Nov. 30!)
Save Money: Bicycling on Friday instead of shopping at big-box stores or national chains saves money for a better way to spend, such as …
Supporting “Small Business Saturday”
Shop local: Small and locally owned businesses need our support now more than ever. In one recent year, Americans spent $19.6 billion at independent businesses when they “shopped small” on Small Business Saturday. If we collectively have enough disposable income this year, I hope we far exceed that number.
Bike to shopping: How about a stretch goal? Let’s combine our bike riding and our small-business-supporting by cycling to and from the shops. I have a place nearby where I can do so safely and comfortably, and I hope you do as well.
And wouldn’t you know it – people who walk or bike to shops tend to spend more money in their communities than people who drive cars for their shopping trips. Imagine the impact we can have, on our own family’s health and well-being, as well as our community’s prosperity and vibrancy.
And now, in honor of my mom and dad, both of whom I’m so blessed to still have join me for Thanksgiving meals, here’s my favorite Thanksgiving joke:
Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?
A: Pumpkin pi.
(Bonus joke: What’s a mom joke? It’s like a dad joke, except funny.)
Pedals up!
