Whether you are a passionate cyclist, a first-time bike commuter, or simply a bike enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to get involved with Bike Month this year!
Biking is a sustainable and equitable alternative mode of transportation that is good for the environment and our well-being. Cville Bike Month offers a variety of events that are welcome to all. You can participate by attending events, volunteering, exploring new commuting options, and fostering a sense of community.
Bike Month Events
To get started, check out the Cville Bike Month website for the full calendar of events happening throughout May. From e-bike demos to group rides and Family Bike Day, there is something fun for everyone!
Don’t forget to fill out the Cville Bike Month Bingo Card as you are celebrating Bike Month. Once you complete the bingo card (by filling five spots in a row), drop it off at the Fridays After Five bike tent at Ting Pavilion or share it on Instagram and tag @bikecville.
Fridays After Five
Each Friday during Bike Month, Fridays after Five will have a free bike valet! Bike to the Pavilion, and Cville Bike Month volunteers will take care of the parking.
You can also support Bike Month simply by enjoying a beverage at Fridays After Five in May! Each Friday, volunteers will work the beverage tent on behalf of bike-friendly community nonprofits who will benefit from the proceeds. Participating organizations include Livable Cville, Charlottesville Community Bikes, the Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club (CAMBC), Three Notched Trail, and the Rivanna Trails Foundation.
On May 3, join Endeavor Cycles for a special Cruiser Ride to Fridays After Five. This will be a beginner friendly ride and all skill levels are welcome! Those on UVA Grounds can meet at Clark Hall at 5:15 pm to ride to Endeavor Cycles for the ride. The group will leave Clark Hall at 5:30pm.
If you want to get more involved, there are opportunities to volunteer at Fridays After Five to support Bike Month.
Volunteer
Our community needs volunteers to make all these events happen! Complete the volunteer sign up form to help at Fridays After Five, Family Bike Day, Bike Walk and Roll to School Day, E-bike demos, or after-school bike rides. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Bike to Work or School
May 8 is national Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day! Join neighbors and friends to bike, walk, or roll to school that morning. Check here for a list of local schools who are participating with welcome stations in the morning.
May 13-17 is national Bike to Work Week and we are celebrating all week long! Stop by these appreciation stations to refuel with complimentary pastries and grab some bike swag. All cycling enthusiasts are welcome! Whether you’re a daily cyclist or just joining the pedal-pushers for Bike to Work Week, we’re here to support your journey.
MONDAY, MAY 13:
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6:45-9:00am: UVA Hospital (bike racks between the Main Entrance & ER)
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7:30-8:30am: Student Health and Wellness (550 Brandon Ave)
TUESDAY, MAY 14:
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6:45-9:00am: Facilities Management (1490 Leake Dr)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15:
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8:30-9:30am: Shannon Library (McCormick Rd)
THURSDAY, MAY 16:
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8:30-9:30am: Clark Hall (291 McCormick Rd)
FRIDAY, MAY 17:
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8:00-10:00am: Engineering School (Engineers-Way)
See you out there!
Participate in the Bike Business Challenge
Rideshare is excited to invite businesses/departments to participate in Charlottesville’s Bike Month Business Challenge this May! This is a fantastic opportunity to boost employee health and well-being, minimize your environmental impact, and win recognition and awesome prizes. Top participating businesses will win bike swag, discounts at local businesses and be celebrated across Charlottesville. Everyone who participates by logging trips on the ConnectingVA app also has a chance to win a free e-bike!
Here's How to Participate:
- Sign up: Register your entire business or individual departments for the challenge using the online pledge form. Only one contact from your organization fills this out.
- Get Active: Throughout May, employees can track their bike rides and other clean commuting methods (walking, using public transit, or carpooling) using the FREE ConnectingVA app. Tracking their commutes unlocks discounts and rewards at several businesses, and automatically enters them in a drawing for a free e-bike this May.
- Climb the Leaderboard: Each bike trip through the ConnectingVA app contributes to your company's overall score in the challenge. The more your team participates, the higher your business climbs the leaderboard! Check Rideshare’s Bike Month Page for updates every Friday.
- Win Big: At the end of May, Rideshare will announce the winning businesses with the most engaged cycling staff. The top two organizations will be recognized for their achievements and their employees will be rewarded.
Don't miss out on this chance to win great prizes, promote employee well-being, and reduce your environmental impact.
Participating in Bike Month is a way to experience the joy of biking, connect with community, explore new routes, and reduce carbon emissions. We encourage everyone who is able to join us in celebrating Bike Month, perhaps try something new, and carry the spirit of Bike Month throughout the year!
--Shannon Sahs (she/her), Outreach & Engagement Specialist for the University of Virginia Office for Sustainability.
