Bike to Work Week: What It Is, When It Happens, and Why It Matters in 2025

May is Bike Month and Bike to Work Week is a national and international event designed to encourage people to try biking to work instead of driving or taking public transportation. It promotes the many benefits of cycling to work, such as improving health, reducing pollution, saving money, and supporting sustainable cities.

This weeklong celebration includes:

• Commuter challenges

• Bike breakfasts

• Group rides and events

• Workplace competitions

• Cycling education and safety tips

Whether you're a daily cyclist or new to biking, Bike to Work Week provides the perfect reason to give bike commuting a try.

In the United States , Bike to Work Week 2025 takes place from May 12–18 , with Bike to Work Day falling on Friday, May 16.

In Canada , some cities celebrate Bike to Work Week in late May or early June , while others have both spring and fall editions.

Many workplaces, cities, and organizations align their events with National Bike Month , held throughout May.

Thousands of people join Bike to Work Week every year. Here are the top reasons why commuters switch to cycling—at least for the week:

1. ✅ Health and Fitness Benefits

Cycling to work provides:

• Cardiovascular exercise

• Muscle strengthening

• Stress reduction

• Improved mental focus

Just 30 minutes of moderate biking each day can improve overall health and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. 🌱 Environmental Benefits of Bike Commuting

Biking to work helps reduce:

• Carbon emissions

• Air pollution

• Traffic congestion

Swapping your car commute for a bicycle, even once or twice a week, makes a measurable difference in your environmental footprint.

3. 💵 Save Money on Transportation

Commuting by bike saves you:

• Gas and fuel costs

• Parking fees

• Vehicle maintenance

• Insurance premiums

Bike commuting is one of the most cost-effective ways to get to work.

4. 🤝 Community and Workplace Engagement

Bike to Work Week brings people together. You can:

• Join a team or office challenge

• Participate in community rides

• Win prizes or rewards

• Meet other cyclists and build community

These events create a sense of momentum and support that encourages more people to stick with cycling after the week ends.

5. 🏙️ Support Better Urban Planning

When more people bike, cities respond with:

• Protected bike lanes

• Secure bike parking

• Traffic calming measures

• Public health and transportation policies that prioritize cycling

Participating in Bike to Work Week is a form of advocacy that shows public demand for safer, bike-friendly cities.

1. Sign Up Online

Register through local organizations or national platforms like:

• Love to Ride

• League of American Bicyclists

• Regional sites like BikePGH

Registration often includes:

• Entry into prize draws

• Access to local events

• Tracking tools for miles biked and emissions saved

2. Prepare Your Bike

Before Bike to Work Week:

• Check tire pressure and brakes

• Lube the chain

• Test your lights

• Adjust your saddle and handlebar height

Many cities offer free bike tune-ups during the week.

3. Plan a Safe Route

Use tools like:

• Google Maps (bike mode)

• Ride with GPS

• Komoot

Look for:

• Dedicated bike lanes

• Quiet residential streets

• Multi-use trails or greenway

4. Pack the Essentials

Make your bike commute easier with:

• A helmet (required in some areas)

• Front and rear lights

• Reflective gear

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• A backpack or pannier for work essentials

• A lock to secure your bike

Optional gear:

• Rain jacket

• Extra clothes for the office

• Cycling gloves for comfort

5. Recruit Friends or Coworkers

Create a team or join a challenge:

• Workplace groups often compete for miles biked

• Friendly competition boosts motivation

• Group rides add safety and fun

Even though Bike to Work Week lasts just 7 days, the impact goes far beyond that. Many first-time participants continue commuting by bike long after the event ends.

Lasting benefits include:

• Reduced reliance on cars

• Improved employee wellness and morale

• Stronger cycling infrastructure

• Increased public support for sustainable transit

Organizations and cities use Bike to Work Week to:

• Pilot new cycling routes

• Test traffic-reduction measures

• Gather data on commuting habits

• Engage the public in transportation planning

More people are turning to bike commuting each year, and Bike to Work Week helps drive that trend. Factors contributing to this shift include:

• Rising fuel costs

• Climate change awareness

• Remote work flexibility and hybrid commuting

• Desire for work-life balance and stress reduction

• City investments in bike infrastructure

Major employers, urban planners, and transportation advocates now recognize bike commuting as a key part of sustainable city life .

If you’re new to biking to work, here are some quick tips to make your first ride easier:

1. Start small : Try biking one or two days a week.

2. Do a test ride : Practice your route on the weekend.

3. Time your commute : You may be surprised—it’s often faster than driving in traffic.

4. Check the weather : Plan for rain or cold if needed.

5. Be visible : Use bright clothing and front/rear lights.

6. Stay safe : Follow traffic laws and ride predictably.

7. Enjoy the ride : Listen to music, a podcast, or simply enjoy the fresh air.

• 📝 Mark your calendar: Bike to Work Week — May 12–18, 2025

• 🚴 Register for events in your area

• 💬 Share your ride on social media using #BikeToWorkWeek2025