May kicks off National Bike Month in Long Beach, and to celebrate, the city is offering virtual and in-person activities for all types of “spokes” people.

Bike Month is celebrated across the United States and offers an opportunity to showcase the benefits of bicycling to encourage more people to incorporate cycling into their daily lives.

“Long Beach has a reputation for being one of the most bike friendly cities in America,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a press release. “I am proud of our continued focus on creating active transportation and livability options for our community, and am looking forward to many additions to come.”

Weekly events Long Beach is hosting for Bike Month 2021. Photo courtesy Long Beach.

Below are some of the many ways community members can participate in National Bike Month. The complete list of events can be found on the GoActiveLB website.

  • Bikes of Long Beach (May 4, 11, 18 and 25) – Each week, GoActiveLB will highlight the story of a local bicyclist and their bike. Follow along to find out about local bicycling culture through each rider’s lens and become inspired to forge your own bicycling style.
  • National Bike to School Day (May 5) – With the Long Beach Unified School District transitioning back into in-person learning in the classroom, on May 5 students and their parents are encouraged to leave the car at home and bike to school instead.
  • Self-guided tours (May 12 and 26) – Discover some of Long Beach’s hidden outdoor murals and historical architecture with GoActiveLB’s self-guided tours. This year, virtual art routes of Retro Row and Downtown, as well as the historical architectural route through Bixby Knolls, will be available on the GoActiveLB’s social media. These routes are designed for all ages and skill levels and may be used on your next bike trip.
  • National Bike to Work Day (May 20) – Employees are encouraged to bike to work on May 20. If you are working from home, take a 30-minute exercise break and bike throughout your neighborhood at lunch.

“Public Works is constantly looking for opportunities to improve bicycle infrastructure, safety and programming throughout Long Beach,” Public Works Director Eric Lopez said in a press release. “This year’s virtual Bike Month allows everyone an opportunity to get out and see how you can incorporate more active mobility into your daily routine.”