This May, the City of San Luis Obispo will join communities across the country in celebrating National Bike Month with a series of events organized by local groups in partnership with SLO Regional Rideshare — a program of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG). Activities will take place throughout SLO County, encouraging community members to get out and ride.
“Bike Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come in making San Luis Obispo a more bike-friendly city. With expanded infrastructure to accommodate a wider range of the community, riding a bike is now more convenient and more enjoyable than ever. We encourage everyone, whether you’re a daily rider or just getting started, to join us this May and experience the benefits of biking,” said Adam Fukushima, Active Transportation Manager for the City of SLO.
Thanks in part to these efforts, the City has earnedGold Level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from The League of American Bicyclists.
There are plenty of ways to join the celebration! Check out some of the activities below, and visit www.rideshare.org/bike-month-calendar for a full list of events.
May 6 – City of SLO Bike Breakfast – 7 – 8:30 a.m. – City Hall, 990 Palm Street, compliments of the Professional Association for City Employees (PACE).
May 7 – Bike to School Day – Schools in the San Luis Coastal School District will host welcoming events for students biking, walking, and rolling to school. Visit Safe Routes to School page to learn more.
May 8 – SLO Fire Department Pancake Bike Breakfast – 7 – 8:30 a.m. – Station 1 – 2160 Santa Barbara Avenue, SLO – The San Luis Obispo Fire Department will be serving up a free pancake breakfast to all community members who arrive by bike.
Bike to Work Week – May 12 – 16 – Employers and local businesses will host bike breakfasts or happy hours for commuters on bikes. Check the SLO Rideshare website for more information. https://rideshare.org/program/bike-month/
May 20 – How We Roll: Exploring SLO’s diverse bike culture beyond…Panel Discussion – 5:30 – 7 p.m. – Led by SLOCOG – Curious about the many facets of SLO’s bike culture? Come hear firsthand accounts from your neighbors who rely on their bikes for commuting, shopping, family transport, recreation, and even vacations! This panel discussion will showcase the practical and joyful ways cycling enriches their lives! San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm St.
May 22 – Kidical Mass – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Mitchell Park 1400 Osos St., SLO – Often called the family bike happening, Kidical Mass is a venue for parents and children to learn how to ride safely. If you have ever wanted to ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. No matter your age, the ride is a blast for everyone! Ride will be less than a mile and end at the Bike Valet at Farmer’s Market. https://bikeslocounty.org/event/kidical-mass
May 29 – SLOCOG’s Pancake Bike Breakfast – 7 – 9 a.m. – SLO Council of Governments, 1114 Marsh Street – A complimentary bike breakfast celebration hosted by SLO Rideshare and SLOCOG staff on Thursday, May 29, allowing residents and commuters to meet with regional transportation planners and share their transportation needs.
If residents do not have a bike but would like to participate, Bike SLO County’s Bike Kitchen offers refurbished bicycles for sale, and their Try-A-Bike program offers a range of e-bikes available to test-ride for five days.