Katrice Perkins/Daily Mining Gazette Joshua Myles, of the Bike Initiative Keweenaw, showcases his gear and bike equipment at a wellness lunch and learn at Michigan Tech University.

The Michigan Tech University Campus Bike Initiative and Bike Initiative Keweenaw members gave a presentation about local biking and discussed resources for cyclists.

The event was a part of the MTU Employee Wellness Lunch and Learn series that promotes activities for students and staff.

The members held a gear and bike fashion show to showcase their own bikes, appropriate biking clothing for hot and cold weather, equipment and tools.

The presentation included discussions on safe cycling, the National Bike Challenge and Bike to Work.

Bike Initiative Keweenaw advocate, Joshua Myles, said the advocacy group tries to support the various biking initiatives and help them find information, find good bike lanes and other biking areas in the community.

He said the purpose of the event is to give cyclists contacts, education and information about group rides and tips, while also showing that biking can be fun and accessible to all.

Bike advocate, Dan Alquist, stressed the importance of reflective gear and following the same rules of the roads as cars.

“The same traffic rules that apply to riding a car apply to you riding bikes,” said Alquist.

The group debunked the myths that bikers need expensive gear or equipment.

“You want to know what you need to do to be safe but you don’t have to have all of the fancy gear to do this because it’s about being outside, being active and having fun. Anybody can get out here and do it,” said Myles.

For beginners, there is no specific type of bike needed. He suggests just testing out a bike of a friend or that you already have, then deciding what you like and don’t like from there.

The organizations support bike commuting and the campus initiative is creating a list of showers on campus for students and faculty/staff commuters with concerns about hygiene. Some of those include the library and Great Lakes Research Center.

The groups also offer group rides for beginners and advanced riders.