May is National Bike Month – a time to celebrate biking as a form of transportation and recreation. From photo contests to repair clinics to group rides, there’s no shortage of cycling events for all ages and skill levels in the upcoming weeks.
Check out some of the great activities that you can participate in across central New Mexico.
Albuquerque – Bike to Work/Bike to Wherever Day on May 20
The City of Albuquerque and partner organizations are encouraging everyone to bike to work or bike to wherever on Friday, May 20. Valerie Hermanson, Vision Zero Program Manager for the City of Albuquerque, noted that the day encourages people to bike to their destination rather than driving or using another form of transportation.
“Bike to the grocery store, work, your favorite, business, or wherever,” said Hermanson. “It’s good for mental health, good exercise, and a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy our beautiful community.”
Participate Virtually
Visit bikethruburque.com and commit to ride for a chance to win fun raffle prizes. There’s also a survey, riding challenge and photo contest.
Hop on Your Bike and Ride
On Friday, May 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. there will be in person pop-ups around the city where people can stop to pick up bicycle swag and the latest bike map. Visit the Bike Thru Burque website for a map of pop-up locations.
Cycling Safety
The Bike Thru Burque website offers a checklist to prepare for a safe bike ride – how to check your tires, wear a helmet, road, planning your route, and more. There’s also quizzes for kids and adults to test their bike safety knowledge.
Partners and Volunteers
“Bike to Work/Bike to Wherever Day is a very collaborative initiative,” said Hermanson. “We [City of Albuquerque] work with the Mid-Region Council of Governments, Bohannan Huston, Bernalillo County, Bike ABQ, several local business owners, and a lot of really great volunteers to make this a reality.”
Santa Fe Bike Month
Santa Fe Bike Month is a 100+ year-old Santa Fe tradition that showcases the many benefits of bicycling and encourages more community members to give two wheels a try.
“Santa Fe Bike Month celebrates people of all ages and abilities getting out on their bicycles, whether to run an errand, ride to work, get out on a dirt trail, or participate in the Santa Fe Century,” said Leah Yngve, Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Planner.
This year, local organizations and enthusiasts have put together a menu of fun activities to celebrate.
Discounts and Freebies
At least 12 businesses have committed to providing a discount or incentive for cyclists during bike month this May. Find the list at santafebikemonth.com.
Cyclists can also pick up a Santa Fe Bike Map in local bike shops or view it online.
Events All Month Long
There are several opportunities for participants this year, including:
• Art by Bike (May 14): An event on city streets and trails with art, music, and activity stops
• Bike Swap (May 15): Buy and sell new and used bicycles, bike clothes, and accessories
• Bike to Work Day (May 20): Cyclists can enjoy free breakfast on the Rail Trail
• Santa Fe Century (May 22): A scenic course with 25, 50, and 100 mile rides
In addition to all of that, there are a number of social and mountain bike rides, clinics, and more! Visit the Santa Fe Bike Month website for the full list.
A Collaborative Effort
“Bike Month is organized by a loose coalition of local governments, non-profits, businesses, bike shops, and bicycle enthusiasts,” said Yngve. “Thank you to our partners and businesses for really pulling together to help promote biking this year!”
Bring Your Bike Onboard
And remember, bikes are welcome on all New Mexico Rail Runner Express trains and Rio Metro buses at no extra cost. Visit the Rio Metro Bikes Onboard page for details.