May Is Bike Month!

For all of us at Bike Cleveland every month is Bike Month, but we always go above and beyond in celebrating the joys of biking in May each year. This year will be necessarily different than past years as we all continue following the guidelines of health experts in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. To help in celebrating we’ve put together a host of virtual gatherings, solo ride options, and games to ensure we all have a wonderful bike month. Some are taking place on specific days, some you can do at your leisure.

No matter how you celebrate be sure to tag Bike Cleveland on social media and use the hashtag #CLEBikeMonth. You can also join Bike Cleveland’s Strava club to share your rides during Bike Month and all year long.

Here’s a quick round-up of what we have planned to help you celebrate Bike Month in May:

Bike Month Bingo – All month – During the month of May, everyone is invited to play Bike Cleveland’s Bike Month Bingo! Complete as many squares as possible during May (5 squares in a row is a Bingo). Share your responses and photos on social media in the Bike Month Bingo Facebook event.

Download your card for the game rules. Submit your completed card to volunteer@bikecleveland.org by June 1st.

CLE Script Sign Tour – All month – The Cleveland script signs have become iconic, so why not do a ride to see them all of them in one day? This 33 mile tour is all on pavement, using bike lanes and paths as much as possible See the route and get all the details here.

CLE Mural Tour– All month – Cleveland has an outstanding array of outdoor murals for you to go find by bike. We’ve put together a paved route of 27 miles that uses bike lanes and paths as much as possible. See the route and get all the details here.

Kevin Cronin’s KBTCGGSS Ride – All month – Take a solo bike ride organized by former Bike Cleveland board member and super volunteer Kevin Cronin to visit places that make Cleveland a unique blend of industry, places, craft and most of all, warm and caring people. See the route and get all the details here.

Youth Coloring Contest – All month – Kids! Grab your markers, colored pencils, or your crayons and join Bike Cleveland for a good ‘ol coloring competition. Download & color an entry form during Bike Month and return your coloring page to Bike Cleveland by email or postal mail. Full details and rules here. 

National Bike Challenge – May-September 2020 – The National Bike Challenge is back again, kicking off in May and ending September 30th. The challenge this year is hosted by Lovetoride.net. Sign-up and start logging miles beginning May 1st.

Bike Month Challenge – All month – Resolve to bike more during the month of May! Log your bike trips, and check the leaderboard for up-to-the minute standings. Use the bike instead of the car to get “there” and you’ll be eligible for weekly raffle prizes. Top participants will take home prizes! Log your trips here.

Volunteer for Bike & Ped Counts – May 12-14, 16th, 2020 – Volunteer to help count bicyclists and pedestrians during Bike Month. The data will help inform future bike/ped planning projects. Sign-up and get details here.

Virtual Ride of Silence – May 20th, 2020 – To celebrate the annual Ride of Silence, a ride in honor and in remembrance of those who have been injured or killed while riding a bicycle on our public roadways, take a silent ride. Any time, any distance is fine. Afterward, you can share your story with us and the rest of your Greater Cleveland bicycle family. Details here.

Virtual BTWD – May 15th, 2020 – Celebrate Bike to Work Day with us virtually by swinging a leg over your bike and riding it to work, or from home-to-home just for the camaraderie! Then join us for a Zoom meet-up from 7:30am-8:30am to share your commute story, what you’re eating for breakfast, or just join to socialize with fellow bike commuters. Details here.

Bike Smarts: Rolling at Home – May 19th, 2020 – Riding indoors is the perfect way to stay fit during inclement spring weather, and doubly now while social distancing is still upon us. Come to our LIVE virtual class via Zoom where we show you what equipment and tools you will need, how to set your bike up, ways to stay motivated and you’ll be rolling into summer ready to go! Register here.

Connecting Communities Webinar – May 28th @ 6pm – Interested in learning more about our Connecting Communities Plan? Want to help make Cleveland a safer place to ride a bike? Join Bike Cleveland and OHM Advisors as we talk about our plan to advocate for a connected bike network and learn how you can help. Register here. 

Virtual LIVE Bike Bingo – May 31, 3-6pm – Join Deltrece, Bike Cleveland’s membership and outreach manger, for a game of live Virtual Bike Bingo. It will be a time to share some of your favorite bike ride stories, socialize with friends, and win some Bike Cleveland schwag. Register here to reserve your bingo card and share it with your friends on Facebook.

If you haven’t done so already, make sure your bike is in safe working order before heading out. Check out some of our DIY bike maintenance videos for some tips provided by local bike shops – plus a whole class on changing a flat tire. Without a doubt, this May is going to be like no other. But, with a little inspiration and encouragement, we’ll all get some much needed miles in and work back towards normal.

Ride safe, ride often, and share your May stories with us. We’ll see you out there! | From a safe distance of course 🙂