Celebrate Cycling Culture During Bike Month in May
May is National Bike Month, when communities throughout the nation showcase the many benefits of bicycling - and encourage more folks to giving cycling a try.
Celebrate Cycling Culture During Bike Month in May
Five Rivers MetroParks hosts the region’s largest National Bike Month cycling celebration from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, at RiverScape MetroPark during National Bike to Work Day.
Nearly 600 cycling enthusiasts will gather to enjoy a free pancake breakfast, Boston Stoker coffee, live music and more during this annual event.
Businesses organizations and community groups are encouraged to enter the Team Challenge prior to the event for a chance to win prizes. New this year, a team of three or more will be selected at random to receive the All-Around Team Challenge prize. Bike to Work Day participants also will be able to tour the RiverScape MetroPark Bike Hub at 8 a.m. and commemorate their ride at the photo booth.
The first 500 cyclists to register their ride and check in at Bike to Work Day will receive a free gift from Five River MetroParks and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. MetroParks has partnered with the Greater Dayton RTA to offer a Bike & Bus option. Cyclists also can park their cars at a trail access areas and ride in from a closer starting point.
“Conservation, education and recreation are the foundation of Five Rivers MetroParks’ work in the community, and Bike to Work Day and other cycling events strengthen all those,” said Five Rivers MetroParks executive director, Rebecca Benná. “Cycling is an environmentally friendly, healthy form of transportation, as well as an active way to experience the outdoors and connect with nature.”
During 2018’s Bike to Work Day, more than 600 riders collectively biked 6,424 miles, saving 275 gallons of gas.
Bike to Work Day is presented by Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, with additional support provided by City of Dayton Water Department, LJB, Inc., K&G Bike Center, Boston Stoker, Dayton Pedal Wagon, LLC, Woolpert and Dayton Cycling Club.
Those who want to celebrate Bike Month all May can mark their calendars for the following MetroParks events:
- Family Bike Safety (Friday, May 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark): Five Rivers MetroParks Rangers will be offering bike safety checks and giving out helmets from 6-8 pm during Pickin’ in the Park. Kids of all ages can enjoy a free snow cone from the Dayton Police Department truck, participate in activities at the city of Dayton fire department booth, or even test-ride some of MetroParks’ bikes. Helmets and snow cones available while supplies last.
- Try Mountain Biking (Tuesday, May 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at MoMBA): Borrow a bike and hit the trails with help from MetroParks’ outdoor recreation specialists. Free for all ages.
- Bike for Health Challenge ride to Medlar Conservation Area (Saturday, May 11, 9 to 11 a.m.): Enjoy a guided ride along the Great Miami and Great-Little Trails. (10 mile ride)
- GO W/ THE FLOW - Bike Week Edition (Monday, May 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.): Kick off National Bike to Work Week with a free after-work yoga session under the RiverScape Pavilion with yoga led by Tori Reynolds with live music by Ben Rivet. Bring a mat and water.
- Bike for Health Challenge ride to Deeds Point MetroPark (Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.): Enjoy a guided ride along the Great Miami and Little-Great Trails. (10 mile ride)
Additional Bike Month events throughout the region include Link’s The Streak Challenge, the Miami Valley Cycling Summit, 45th Huffman Spring Classic and more. For a complete list of Bike Month events, visit metroparks.org/bike-month/regional-events.
The League of American Bicyclists has designated Dayton a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, and Dayton is home to the nation’s largest paved trail network. Five Rivers MetroParks is a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business designation.
Visit metroparks.org/cycling for tips of safe cycling, details about upcoming Five Rivers MetroParks programs, information on such cycling facilities as the Bike Hub at RiverScape MetroPark and MoMBA (MetroParks Mountain Biking Area) at Huffman MetroPark, information about regional bikeways, and much more.
ABOUT FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS
Celebrating more than 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. Five Rivers MetroParks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK (7275).
Five Rivers MetroParks.
