Five Rivers MetroParks invites the public to celebrate Bike Month virtually this May with a variety of independent activities that celebrate human-powered transportation. Virtual Bike Month, will explore the region’s paved trails and many resources for cyclists.
Weekly rides, tips, games and more will be posted on metroparks.org/bikemonth and shared in the Virtual Bike Month Facebook group. MetroParks is working with other organizations, such as Bike Miami Valley and Mike’s Bike Park and Linkon the activities.
“This year during Virtual Bike Month, we’re really excited to showcase all the region has to offer for cyclists of all experience levels,” said special events coordinator Angela York. “Dayton is the center of the nation’s largest paved trail network and there’s so much to offer — especially for those looking to incorporate cycling as a means of transportation into their routine.”
Each week in May, a variety of activities will be posted, such as:
- HISTORIC SITES — Learn how you can visit historic sites along the Dayton region’s vast paved trail network.
- TRAIL OF THE WEEK — Explore cycling trails throughout the Miami Valley.
- TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK — Learn techniques for smart road cycling and mountain biking maneuvers.
- MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS — Discover mountain bike trails and parks in the region so you can get started or expand your skills.
- CLUBS AND CHARITY RIDES — Connect with local cycling clubs and learn about charity rides throughout the year.
- FIELD TRIPS — Explore the outer regions of the trails and other biking opportunities in the region.
Additionally, there will be family biking tips and a weekly Bicycle Bingo Challenge that will encourage participants to complete rides, explore the outdoors and use new skills they’ve learned throughout the month. Participants will have 10 days to create a Bingo and will use a weekly hashtag to enter for a chance to win prizes.
A conservation agency, MetroParks also encourages people to participate in Bike Month as a way to lessen their carbon footprint, as cycling has less impact on the environment than vehicles that contribute to carbon emissions. As such, MetroParks will host a weekly photo contest asking people to submit photos of them using their bikes as a means of transportation. Winners will receive fun swag from MVRPC.
On Friday, May 21 — National Bike to Work Day — MetroParks will encourage people to take solo rides to their place of employment, school or to a daily activity to experience what their commute would be like on a bicycle.
Before Bike Month officially begins, MetroParks invites participants to check their gear and prepare for the month by visitingmetroparks.org/bikemonth for instructional safety videos made by MetroParks’ outdoor recreation professionals.
“Cycling is something you can feel good about in so many ways,” said York. “It gets your body moving, is a good choice for the environment and helps people decompress by being outdoors — all of which are beneficial, especially right now.”
The League of American Bicyclists has designated Dayton a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, and Dayton is home the nation’s largest paved trail network where you can experience 340 miles of connected trails. Five Rivers MetroParks is a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Businesses.
Always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing, when spending time outdoors. For more information and to learn how you can help keep MetroParks open, visit metroparks.org/COVID-19. Stay up-to-date on alerts, closures and ways to get outside by following MetroParks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
