May is Bike Month began on May 1, inviting Sacramento residents to use bicycles for daily trips and explore the city in new ways.
The campaign aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging more people to choose biking for short errands. Organizers say that most errand trips are between one and three miles—distances well-suited for cycling given Sacramento’s flat terrain and favorable weather conditions.
Throughout May, city staff will participate in community events and outreach efforts related to the campaign. Residents can log their bike rides using NorCal GO—a regional trip planning app compatible with fitness trackers like Strava and Garmin—to earn badges, win prizes, and join over 30 community bike events.
A key event this year is a City-led community bike ride scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. The four-mile guided ride will start and end at O’Neil Park on Broadway, passing through Upper Land Park neighborhood while connecting participants with various bikeway types such as shared-use paths, bike lanes, routes, and buffered lanes. Along the way there will be rest stops highlighting current or upcoming transportation projects including the Del Rio Trail, Fruitridge Road Safety and Mobility Plan, Broadway Complete Streets initiative, as well as several quick-build projects. Participants should bring their own bikes along with helmets, water bottles, and sun protection.
“May is Bike Month is a great opportunity for residents to experience Sacramento’s bike network and see how it continues to grow,” said Nicole Zhi Ling Porter, Senior Transportation Planner in the City’s Mobility and Sustainability Division. “Events like this community ride can help people feel more comfortable biking in their neighborhoods and see where the City is making improvements.”
Sacramento has been working on expanding its bicycle infrastructure by closing gaps in its network so riding becomes safer—and easier—for everyone. The recently adopted Streets For People Plan calls for adding or upgrading 417 miles of bike facilities across the city so more residents have access when traveling around town. Initiatives like these support Sacramento’s goal of achieving a six percent active transportation mode share by 2030 under its 2040 General Plan.
More information about May is Bike Month activities can be found at MayisBikeMonth.com.
