It is being described as "a planetary gathering to celebrate bicycling," "the Summer of Love meets the Pedal Revolution," and "the kickoff to the Velorution of the Next Millenium." And it is all happening right here in San Francisco: Bike Summer '99.

Officially kicking off with the July 30th Critical Mass bicycle ride, Bike Summer is an entire month of celebration of the bicycle and other forms of sustainable transportation, featuring events every day. Here's just a sampling of the more than 50 events planned already: art shows, film festivals, bicycle polo, bicycle ballet, camping trips, activist workshops, picnics, and rides, rides, rides Ñ from sunset rides to the beach to tours of San Francisco's beautiful murals, amazing architecture, and toxic sites, and throw in a meteor shower tour and a few protest rides, of course.

Events actually start in late July (see the Chain of Events). It's not too late to get involved by planning your own event or by helping at another. Can you help valet bike park? Distribute posters and flyers? Remember, you'll be able to tell your grandkids: I was there for the Summer of Ô99: Bike Summer! To see a whole lineup of Bike Summer events, visit the calendar at www.bikesummer.org and to volunteer to help call 431-BIKE, x-9.