The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and my cycling socks are tingling....which can only mean one thing: Bike Month is here! As the Associate Transportation Manager at Salesforce, I'm stoked to kick off Bike Month this May.

Every day, over 750 employees bike to Salesforce offices around the world. It's no surprise that the office with our highest number of bicyclists is the Bike Capital of the World … Amsterdam! Vancouver takes the next spot, followed by Melbourne, Paris, and San Francisco. This month, we’re celebrating around the world with on-site bike repairs and tune-ups, Bike to Work Day group commutes and celebrations, electric bike demos, urban biking workshops, and much more.

Whether you work at Salesforce or anywhere else, it’s an exciting time to be a cyclist and bike commuter. Biker numbers continue to rise (particularly in the U.S.), and more and more cities are expanding and improving their bike lanes and parking. Plus, new facilities and bike share programs are popping up at companies across the globe.

Need a little inspiration to hit the bike path this Bike Month? Here are three reasons why cycling is awesome:

• Great for the body: Biking is great for your mood and your health. A recent study shows that people who bike to work tend to live longer and are at lower risk of heart disease and cancer.

• Good for the planet: You know who else benefits from you biking to work? Mother Earth. Biking is one of the most green ways to get around, using zero fuel and creating zero emissions. By comparison, just one car can produce over 1.3 billion cubic yards of polluted air and scatter over 40 pounds of worn tire particles, brake debris, and worn road surface into the atmosphere.

• Even better for your wallet: Peter Walker, reporter and bike blogger for the Guardian, wrote this great new book that dives into the latest impact that biking has on our society. From lowering your expenses to getting those endorphins going, biking is good all around.

Alright, now you’re ready to ride. Get going with these pro tips for new and experienced riders:

Prep Your Gear

• If you have a bike you love, now is a great time to get it tuned-up and ready. Check out the A-B-Cs of bike prep before you ride.

• If you don't have your own bike, I'd recommend trying a few before you buy. You'll want to feel comfortable, and make sure the weight and size are easy for you to handle. To get started, borrow a friend's ride or look up bike rentals.

• Get a good helmet and protect your noggin! Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and shoes that won't slip off. Make sure your backpack or bag doesn't restrict your movement. Remember to get a lock to keep your bike safe.

Plan Your Trip

• I can't stress enough how important it is to be aware, extra careful, and proactive when you are on your bike — especially for city riders. Even the pros can brush up on their bike safety. Check out these 5 Safety Pointers For the Urban Cyclist from a former NYC bike messenger.

• New bicyclists can start getting comfortable with commuting by taking short, relaxed trips on the weekends; running errands; or biking through your local park.

• Before you go, plan your route and parking (Google Maps is great). Don't forget to check the weather to avoid a rainy ride!

Keep Cool and Share The Fun!

• Worried about arriving to work sweaty from the bike commute? Plan ahead with a change of clothes and keep toiletries at your desk.

• For regular bike commuters looking to add a little entertainment to their rides — check out these awesome cycling podcasts.

Interested in riding your way into the #SalesforceOhana? We’re hiring! View opportunities and apply at salesforce.com/careers.