As the Bike Capital of Virginia, Harrisonburg is paving the way for an unforgettable celebration of National Bike Month in May. Through Bike Month, New Community Project’s Northend Greenway, the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC), and the City of Harrisonburg are encouraging community members of all age levels to bike more often, noting it’s a greener, healthier, and less expensive form of transportation. They’re kicking off Bike Month with a costume bike parade on May 3 in conjunction with First Fridays Downtown, where bicyclists are invited to dress up and ride from Turner Pavilion to Court Square Theatre for a bicycling-themed Film Festival.
As in previous years, Harrisonburg will be encouraging friendly city-wide competition with Bike toWork Day on Friday, May 17. Team captains can visit hburgbike2work.org to sign up their businesses to compete in the city- and county-wide competition, which yields awards for participation and mileage, among others. The day will begin with a grandiose breakfast at Court Square from 7-10 a.m. and end with an after-work celebration at Clementine’s outdoor patio from 4-6 p.m.
Kids are also encouraged to participate in Bike Month. On May 8, Thomas Harrison Middle School will be hosting a monitored Bike to School Day. Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation will also be hosting a free Bike Rodeo on May 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Hillandale Park, which will include a day of fun and safety for children as they get fitted for bikes and helmets, scoop up new bike gear, and learn tips from city bike cops and members of SVBC.
With even more fun bike-friendly events to offer throughout the month including neighborhood Ice Cream Rides, Bike to Worship Weekend, Global Women’s Day Ride, participation in the national Ride of Silence, and the DR100 Ride, Harrisonburg will be keeping the bicycling momentum throughout the entire month of May.
Additionally, two-time National Champion and Pan American Games gold medalist cyclist Jeremiah Bishop will be stopping through several of these events in his hometown of Harrisonburg to support these great causes, chat with locals about his upcoming Alpine Loop Gran Fondo event in September, sign autographs, and ride.
For a full listing of event details, volunteer opportunities, and signup information, please visitsvbcoalition.org/bikemonth.
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