PEC and Local Groups Filled the May Calendar with Bike-Related Events and Programs

Check out more #BikeMonth media, Courtesy Mal Sebeck:
Kickoff Ride | E-Bike Demo | Bike Joy

THANK YOU to everyone who took to the streets, bike paths and trails to make the month of May the best Bike Month in memory.

Last year, the Piedmont Mobility Alliance expanded Bike to Work Day into a week of activities. This year, we went even further, organizing a full Bike Month! Throughout May, community groups in Charlottesville and Albemarle and at the University of Virginia put together a full calendar of group rides, e-bike education events, a “bike BINGO” challenge and more.

Participants were able to complete rows on their bike BINGO card by participating in a wide variety of challenges and activities, from biking at least 10 miles in one day to repairing or decorating their bike with festive Cville bike stickers.

Bike Month is a national celebration, and area riders did their part fuel to the surge.

May 8 was National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day, with local schools’ bike racks filled to capacity and many kids learning to ride and/or hitting trails for the first time.

We celebrated National Bike to Work Week May 13-17, encouraging commuters to save gas, get moving and compete in the Bike Month’s Business Challenge. People could log and track their rides with their employers to earn discounts and prizes.

Bike to Work Day on May 17 capped bikers commuting during the busy week. PEC and our partners handed out swag on Main Street, along with snacks and coffee from local businesses and free tune-ups from Blue Wheel Bicycles. Other groups formed partnerships and hosted larger events, such as a Family Bike Day at Ix Art Park.

Bike Month also showcased how bikes can be integrated into popular existing events. For example, cyclists could rack their bikes with a free valet service during Charlottesville’s Fridays After Five May concert series. Local bike-oriented groups, including Three Notched Trail, CAMBC, Liveable Cville, Community Bikes and Loop de’Ville provided volunteers to staff the valet service, hand out BINGO prizes and raise money for their groups by pouring drinks.

PEC provided the organizational hub for Bike Month, but there were many spokes in the wheel that moved Bike Month onto an entirely new level this year. Local governments, nonprofits and partnering volunteer organizations gave their time, resources and expertise to facilitate events and bike-friendly accommodations. Charlottesville’s local bike shops were present throughout the month, offering knowledge and leadership.

After this Bike Month’s success and increased community awareness about biking infrastructure, safety, and benefits, we look forward to Cville Bike Month 2025!

If you would like to learn more about the Piedmont Mobility Alliance’s collective efforts or how to  get more involved, stop by our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, July 31 (meeting at 4 p.m.; social at 5:30 p.m.).

Cville Bike Month Sponsors:

PEC volunteer Cat Orescan contributed to this blog post. When not at home with her two cats, Kahlua and Olly, she can be found exploring Charlottesville’s farmers markets or Downtown businesses.