May Bike Month: A Wisconsin Couple Wants You to Join the Ride

May is National Bike Month. But for one Wisconsin couple, that’s basically every month. Peter and Tracy Flucke are the founders of WE BIKE. It’s a state-wide consulting organization which focuses on biking and walking safety, education, and advocacy. So, the Fluckes don’t just support bike-friendly communities – they live and breathe the idea, too.  

“We really do celebrate Bike Month every day,” Tracy shares with a laugh. “It’s not just about getting on a bike. It’s about building a life around it.”

The Green Bay area couple is also an ambassador for bike tourism. Their travels range from taking short trips to an area coffee shop to a 3,000-mile tandem ride along Route 66. 

“Bike tourism is real,” Peter says. “It brings money into towns, but it’s low impact, so it often goes unnoticed. We’ve hosted cyclists from Australia, Germany, and Taiwan. They’re here as bicycle tourists—but you’d never know it unless you looked for them.”

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Listen to an interview with Peter and Tracy Flucke here:

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The Fluckes also describe biking as a way to connect with your community, support local businesses, and take care of your health. They say scenic Northeast Wisconsin trails like the Fox River, Mountain Bay, and East River are easily accessible, but also just an example of rides to enjoy all across the state. 

Yet, Peter believes their journeys also prove you don’t need a fancy bike or extreme fitness to enjoy the ride. 

You just need to start. 

And National Bike Month may be the perfect excuse to try it, whether you are a beginner or getting back on a bike for the first time in years.  

“Take a lap around the block,” Peter explains. “See how it feels. Then try two laps. The best bike really is the one you are riding.”

By the way, their tandem bike is a great conversation starter—and a bit of a relationship tester. 

“The saying goes, wherever your relationship is headed, a tandem will get you there faster,” Tracy jokes. 

But it’s become more than that. Riding together, they’ve written books, built a business, and connected with people across the country—all by bike.

This Bike Month, take a class, join a group ride, or simply dust off an old bike and go.

“The biggest risk isn’t riding,” Peter says. “It’s not riding. The health benefits, the joy, the freedom—it’s all out there waiting.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

Did you know there are more than 20 cities in the state recognized as a “Bike Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists? It means there are safe and convenient ways to get around on a bike – for both residents and tourists. Find the complete list here.

See and Sign Up for Wisconsin Bike Fed Events and Classes here.

Check out Wisconsin State Park Bike Trails here.

Read Wisconsin D.O.T. Bike Information here.