We are wheely excited for National Bike Month!

[Kimberly Lam]

Spring is in full swing and it's an excellent time to get outdoors for some exercise! May is National Bike Month, so join Sustainable Contra Costa and our partners for events to support safe biking in our community.

 

On May 18th, dust off your bike to take part in Bike to Wherever Day! Pledge online to Bike to Work/Wherever Day, and you’ll get a map of energizer stations, a digital goody bag, and routes to ride to celebrate the big day! When you pledge to ride, you show our cities that bikes count.

 

Preparing & Planning

 

If you haven't been biking for a while, now is the perfect time to try it out again. Bike East Bay hosts free classes and events  for all ages:

• Urban Cycling 101 for Adults & Teens
• Theft Prevention
• Adult Learn-to-Ride Classes
• One Hour Workshops (bike mechanics, riding after dark, etc.)
• Family Cycling Workshops - for parents and kids to attend together

Check out 511 Contra Costa's Bike Mapper tool, which lets you create a custom bike route by choosing from three hill tolerances and three types of routes: bike paths, bike lanes, or the most direct route. 

 

Can't wait for Bike to Work/Wherever Day on May 18? Check out the Bay Area Bike Swap Festival on Saturday, May 6 at Heather Farm Park from 11 am - 4 pm in Walnut Creek. This FREE one-day bike celebration includes:

• Bike workshops for adults and children
• Kids skills course
• Bike Expo
• BMX demo
• Educational bike programming
• Good food, live music and raffle prizes. 

 

Energizer Stations on May 18

On Bike to Work Day, more than 45 Contra Costa energizer stations will welcome riders with a free canvas tote, snacks, and good vibes as they bike to work – or wherever. Whether you are an everyday rider or trying a bike commute for the first time, everyone is welcome.

There will be multiple energizer stations in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. Check out 511 Contra Costa's full list for more details! 

 

 

Rebates and Incentives for Biking

511 Contra Costa offers a variety of incentives for biking more, especially for commuting by bike:

• Drive Less by replacing just one car commute a week with biking and receive your choice of $25 gift cards.
• Pledge to try biking to work and we’ll send you a $20 BikeLink card to help you Secure Your Cycle with a countywide network of electronic bike lockers.
• Buy a new e-bike and apply for an E-Bike Rebate of up to $500.
• Register to get a free Guaranteed Ride Home if you experience an emergency on a day you biked to work

You can also find a campaign near you to learn about the progress being made in your community. By working together, we can show our elected officials that we value safe streets for all, especially pedestrians and cyclists. 

Don't forget to check out the "Bike, Walk, Skateboard or Unicycle" action on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge to learn more!