Discover How to Bike Toward a Greener World

It’s called the most fun you can have on two wheels for a reason. And with spring ushering in longer, warmer days, what better time to celebrate cycling? In fact, since 1956, the month of May has been designated as National Bike Month, a celebration hosted by the League of American Cyclists to promote the great many benefits of biking. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to get started, it’s the perfect time to embrace the joys of pedaling while enjoying the outdoors in one of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways possible. 

Check the calendar to get involved with Bike Month’s #BikeThere theme 

Throughout May, there are several days marked to celebrate Bike Month. The emphasis is on promoting personal and communal wellness by showcasing ways you can #BikeThere. Whether you’re cycling for leisure, exercise, making necessary trips to work, or running errands, you’re contributing to a mission for more secure roads, interlinked neighborhoods, a greener environment, and more contented individuals.

Among the different days in the weeks ahead to celebrate #BikeThere, National Ride a Bike Day happens May 7, encouraging everyone to get out there and ride whether it’s to your favorite coffee shop or just around the block. Then, Bike to Work Week 2023 takes place May 15 to 21. And Bike to Work Day falls on May 19. Read on for top 10 activities you might want to try when celebrating National Bike Month.

Go for a leisurely ride 

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to celebrate National Bike Month is to simply hop on your bike and go for a ride. Whether you’re cruising through your neighborhood, exploring a new part of town, or hitting the bike trails, there’s nothing quite like the rush of wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you pedal along. 

Take a group ride 

Biking with friends is a great way to build community. Gather a group or join a local biking club and plan a ride through your city or town. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of your surroundings while making new friends and getting some exercise. Plus, there’s nothing like the encouragement of others to help you push harder and stick to a challenge. And who knows — you might find yourself going on trips with your fellow cyclists even after May has ended.

Try a new cycling route 

Even if cycling is already a hobby of yours, celebrate national bike month by exploring. Try out new routes and cruise out of your comfort zone. Shake things up and try a new path. Look for bike trails in your area, venture into new neighborhoods, or simply take a different route to your usual destinations. You never know what hidden gems you might discover along the way! 

Commute by bike 

This is not only one of the best ways to celebrate National Bike Month but it’s one of the top ways to be more sustainable. Ditch your car (or even public transportation) for a week and try commuting to work or school by bike. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and get a workout in without setting aside extra time in your day for it. 

Plus, Bike Month is all about making cycling part of your commute. Get involved with Bike to Work Week May 15-21 and see the difference it can make in your daily routine. 

Get outdoors with a picnic bike ride 

Put together a tasty picnic lunch and ride your bike to the park for a wonderful afternoon during Bike Month. You can pack your favorite snacks, sandwiches, fruits, and beverages and ride your bike around a nearby park, beach, or scenic spot where you can relax and enjoy your picnic with or without company. Not only is biking to a picnic a fun and healthy way to spend your day, but it also allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings and uniquely experience the great outdoors.  

Participate in a bike race 

Challenge yourself this National Bike Month! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, there’s a bike race out there for you. Look for local races or even virtual races that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. 

You can also download apps like Strava, Map My Ride, or Cycle Meter to track your distance in a virtual race, monitor your progress, and save your cycle routes for future rides. 

Learn to do basic bike maintenance 

National Bike Month is also a perfect time to learn some basic bike maintenance skills or upgrade your current ones. These will certainly come in handy if you’re planning to make cycling a hobby or part of your daily routine. So, we encourage you to learn how to change a flat tire, adjust your brakes, or tune up your gears. Not only will you save money on bike repairs, but you’ll also feel more confident and self-sufficient as a cyclist. 

Attend a bike festival

Many cities host bike festivals during National Bike Month. These festivals offer the chance to learn about new biking products, meet fellow cyclists, and enjoy food and entertainment. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids how to ride a bike or explore new trails together. Not only will you be bonding with your family, but you will be instilling a love of biking in the next generation.

Participate in a bike scavenger hunt

Put your biking skills to the test with a bike scavenger hunt. These events offer the chance to explore your community while solving clues and completing challenges.

Donate to a bike-related charity 

Finally, National Bike Month is a great time to give back to the biking community by donating to a bike-related charity. Look for organizations that promote biking safety, provide bikes to underprivileged children, or advocate for better biking infrastructure in your community.  

There are so many fun ways to celebrate National Bike Month — and May is the perfect time to get outside, explore your community, and enjoy the beauty of biking. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a beginner, there are plenty of engaging ways to celebrate. So, go ahead and dust off your bike, grab your helmet, and hit the road!