National Bike Month is off to a busy start as thousands of New Yorkers braved the chilly weekend weather to participate in TD’s Five Boro Bike Tour and the Red Hook Crit.
Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month was established in 1956 as a way to showcase the benefits of biking and to encourage more people to participate in the activity.
Don’t worry if you missed the first few events of the season. May is jammed packed with bike-related events, so make sure to mark your calendars:
1. MOONLIGHT RIDES
When: Friday, May 6
On the first Friday of every month, cyclists gather for a moonlight ride through Central Park and Prospect Park. The adventure starts at 10 p.m. and is lead by bike guides who ride in the front and rear of the group. It's every "nature lover's dream."
For more information, visit times-up.org/rides/moonlight-ride-central-park
2. BIKE THE BRANCHES
When: Saturday, May 7
Bike the Branches is a fun way for cyclists to explore Brooklyn and discover the 60 neighborhood library branches. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., cyclists must visit as many branches as they can while cruising along the route of their choice. Every participant will be handed a “Branch Passport,” which they can get stamped at each location. As part of the adventure, exciting activities and food will be offered along the way. Prizes will also be given to the people who visit the most branches.
For more information, visit misc.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/btb/.
3. CYCLOFEMME
When: Saturday/Sunday, May 7 and May 8
CycloFemme is a global women’s cycling event, which takes place every year on or around Mother’s Day. Beginners to advanced riders are invited to participate in self-initiated rides, either as part of a team or just casually with friends.
For more information, visit cyclofemme.com/2016-rides.
4. BROOKLYN CRITICAL MASS
When: Sunday, May 8
Critical Mass takes place the second Friday of every month. Aside from a riding event, Critical Mass is also a movement, as well as an open celebration of nonpolluting forms of transportation.
For more information, visit times-up.org/rides/brooklyn-critical-mass.
5. BROOKLYN BIKE RAVE
When: Saturday, May 14
Ride in style at the Brooklyn Bike Rave, which takes place at night along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Riders are encouraged to “bedazzle their bikes,” wear crazy outfits and jam along to some tunes, while cruising alongside others.
For more information, visit brooklyngreenway.org/event/brooklyn-bike-rave.
6. EAST COAST GREENWAY ALLIANCE'S 5-ISLAND RIDE
When: Sunday, May 15
The 29-mile route of the 5-Island Ride will take you to Manhattan, the South Bronx, Randalls (and Ward) Island, Queens, and Roosevelt Island all in one day.
For more information, visit greenway.org/events.
7. CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK
When: Sunday, May 15
“Be a pro for one day” in the GFNY personal endurance challenge. Riders will be racing against others as well as the clock as they pedal through the 100-mile course from NYC to Bear Mountain and back. For a non-competitive ride, there’s also a 50-mile alternative.
For more information, visit gfny.com.
8. BIKE TO WORK WEEK
When: May 16 – 20
May 20th is officially Bike to Work Day, but why not save transportation money for the entire week? Play your part in preserving the environment by biking to work every day from the 16-20th.
9. HARRYMAN TRIATHLON
When: Saturday, May 21st
The 12th annual HarryMan Triathlon will take place this year at New York’s Harriman State Park, located just 30 minutes away from NYC. Aside from biking, participants will also be running and swimming as part of the three-part endurance course.
For more information, visit genesisadventures.com
