Summer entices both the novice and the serious biker to abandon usual modes of transportation. Instead of driving, walking, busing, we welcome any excuse to put on our helmets (for the brave ones their spandex) to merrily pedal our way around the neighborhood.

Children gladly trail behind their parents on training wheels. Happy couples ride in sync on their tandems. Hip Ballardites sport baskets for carrying Farmer’s Market groceries. Formerly bulky bike commuters, in lieu of layers and reflective raingear, are wearing shorts and a big smile.

And with the upcoming STP (Seattle to Portland) bicycle ride on July 11 and 12, determined bikers do serious miles training for the 200-mile, two-day (some do it in one) event.

Even if you’re a beginner, summer is a great time to get into biking – it’s free (for the most part), it’s exercise, and the best part is that you get to enjoy coveted summer days.

It’s a great way to run errands around the neighborhood. Bike to nearby parks like Golden Gardens, Carkeek, or Gas Works. Cruise along the Burke-Gilman Trail to nearby neighborhood destinations like Fremont or the University District.

You can even make a fun weekend trip out of it.

Plan a day trip with friends and family for a bike ride to Woodinville. Destination: Chateau Ste. Michelle winery or Redhook brewery. The ride is all on trail via Burke-Gilman/Sammamish River Trail and roughly less than 20 miles one-way from Seattle.

You bike and then reward yourself with a little libation. Then liquid courage serves you well for the ride back home. A shorter distance away on the same trail is Marymoor Park in Redmond. The park has a great lineup for its outdoor summer music concerts.

Visit our friendly Fremont neighbors at Free Range Cycles.

“When the sun comes out people get excited about biking," said bike mechanic and Ballard resident Andrew Jorgensen. "People drag out their old bikes that have collected dust for years and all of a sudden they want to ride.”

From basic services like fixing flats to full-service tune-ups, local bike shops get busy in the summer.

Jorgensen practices what he preaches. He goes everywhere on bike.

“I don’t have a car and I don’t like taking the bus," he said. "It’s my last resort. Ferries are okay, though."

Whether your objective is to revive your dust-covered bike, get a bike tune-up, or perhaps you’re in the market for a snazzy new bike, go check out one of our local bike shops.

Take advantage of these gorgeous summer days and join your fellow Ballard velophiles.

Hurry up and get out before it’s too late. You want to be cruisin’ on the streets before summer cruises on by.

What:
Bike Sport

Where:
5601 24th Ave. N.W.
www.ilovemybike.com
206-706-4700

When:
Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What:
Dutch Bike Company

Where:
4421 Shilshole Ave. N.W.
www.dutchbikeseattle.com
206-789-1678

When:
Tue-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What:
Free Range Cycles

Where:
3501 Phinney Ave. N.
www.freerangecycles.com
206-547-8407

When:
Sun noon to 5 p.m., Tue-Thu 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What:
Second Ascent

Where:
5209 Ballard Ave. N.W.
www.secondascent.com
206-545-8810

When:
Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat and Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.