Throughout May, the City of San Luis Obispo will celebrate National Bike Month with a series of free, family-friendly events hosted by local community groups and in partnership with SLO Regional Rideshare, a program of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), where events are happening across SLO County. SLO residents are encouraged to participate in rides and other activities that will showcase the benefits of bicycling. Bike Month is celebrated across the United States and aims to promote the advantages of bicycling as a healthy, enjoyable, and sustainable mode of transportation.
“Biking has become more accessible than ever in SLO with over a quarter of the city-wide bike infrastructure already completed since the adoption of the Active Transportation Plan in 2021. This network provides community members the opportunity to ride more comfortably through different parts of our beautiful city,” said Adam Fukushima, Active Transportation Manager for the City of SLO.
The most recent survey data shows that bicycles currently comprise 16% of all trips made in SLO and that 20% of students regularly bike to school. This achievement has earned The City of SLO Gold Level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from The League of American Bicyclists.
Below are some of the many ways community members can participate in National Bike Month. For a full listing of events visit www.rideshare.org/bike-month-calendar:
May 3 – Bike Kitchen Bike Breakfast – 7AM – 9AM – SLO Bike Kitchen 860 Pacific St., SLO – Kick off Bike Month with a big burrito bike breakfast! https://bikeslocounty.org/events/
May 7 – SLO Fire Department Pancake Bike Breakfast – 7AM – 8:30AM – Station 1 – 2160 Santa Barbara Avenue, SLO – The San Luis Obispo Fire Department will be serving up a free pancake breakfast to all cyclists who stop by Station 1.
May 8 – 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 9 – Deluxe Tune-Up Workshop – 5PM-7PM – SLO Bike Kitchen 860 Pacific St., SLO – Learn how to perform an in-depth tune-up on your bike at May’s Bike Maintenance workshop! Spots are limited, so register soon for this hands-on experience. Deluxe Tune-Up Workshop
May 14 – City of SLO Bike Breakfast – 7AM – 8:30AM – City Hall, 990 Palm Street compliments of the Professional Association for City Employees (PACE).
May 16 – Kidical Mass – 5:30PM – 6:30PM – Mitchell Park 1400 Osos St., SLO – Kidical Mass is a family-friendly event that provides a safe environment for parents and children to learn about safe cycling. Families can participate in a themed bike ride along the bike boulevard, which will end at SLO’s downtown farmer’s market. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a fun ride with your family and explore the farmer’s market. Kidical Mass
Bike to Work Week – May 13 – 17 – Employers and local businesses will host bike breakfasts or Happy Hour for commuters on bikes. Check the SLO Rideshare website for more information. https://rideshare.org/program/bike-month/
May 21 –– What’s in SLO’s Bike Future? Panel Discussion – 6PM – 7PM – Led by SLOCOG Hear what is in store for the San Luis Obispo Region. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St.