Rediscover Your Ride: Why National Bike Month Is the Perfect Time to Hop Back in the Saddle

There’s something undeniably joyful about a bicycle ride. Whether it's a quick spin around the block or a scenic cruise through a local trail, cycling taps into a deep, childlike sense of freedom. If you haven't ridden in a while, National Bike Month is your annual reminder that it's never too late to get back in the saddle.

Held every May, this nationwide celebration of cycling invites people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the fun, health, and simplicity of two wheels . Whether you’re a lifelong rider or someone who hasn’t touched a bike in years, now is the perfect time to rediscover your ride.

National Bike Month is an annual campaign organized by the League of American Bicyclists to promote the many benefits of cycling. Since its creation in 1956, it has grown into a nationwide movement that champions sustainable transportation, health, community, and fun .

Every May, thousands of communities across the United States host events like:

• Bike to Work Week (May 12–18, 2025)

• Bike to Work Day (Friday, May 16, 2025 but in some cities like Pittsburgh it is Thursday, May 15, 2025)

• Bike to School Day

• Open street rides and family cycling festivals

• Commuter challenges and prizes for frequent riders

It’s not just about getting people to ride—it’s about reminding them why they fell in love with cycling in the first place .

Think back to your first bike. Do you remember the moment you took off on your own? That mix of pride, excitement, and unfiltered joy is something few activities can replicate. As adults, we often trade that freedom for the convenience of cars, the demands of work, or simply the inertia of routine.

National Bike Month is a chance to change that.

Cycling is one of the rare activities that meets us where we are—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can be:

• A casual ride to clear your head after a long day.

• A family outing to the park or farmers market.

• A new fitness habit that fits your schedule.

• A sustainable commute that replaces gridlock with fresh air.

Most importantly, it’s a way to reconnect—with your body, your community, and the simple joy of movement.

National Bike Month is perfectly timed. May offers some of the best conditions for cycling in many parts of the country:

🌸 Ideal Weather

Temperatures are moderate, the days are longer, and the roads are generally dry. Whether you ride at sunrise or after dinner, there’s daylight and fresh air waiting for you.

🗺 Plenty of Events

You’re not alone in wanting to ride. All month long, you’ll find:

• Community-led group rides

• Bike repair clinics

• Local advocacy events

• Discounts at bike shops

• Commuter support stations offering free coffee or snacks

These events are designed to be inclusive—whether you're brand-new to biking or just need a reason to hop back on.

🚧 Better Infrastructure

Thanks to increased investments in bike-friendly infrastructure, more cities are becoming accessible by bike. Expect to find:

• Protected bike lanes

• Greenways and shared-use paths

• Bike racks and bike-share stations

• Low-traffic “slow streets” or car-free areas

These improvements make cycling safer, easier, and more appealing than ever.

Cycling is a low-impact, high-reward activity that benefits both your body and your brain. Just 20 minutes of biking a day can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

🚴‍♂️ Physical Benefits

• Improves cardiovascular health

• Builds leg and core strength

• Burns calories without strain

• Boosts coordination and balance

🧠 Mental Benefits

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Increases focus and productivity

• Improves sleep quality

• Elevates your mood by releasing endorphins

Cycling has even been shown to reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline. It's not just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a way to feel better while doing it.

Ask any longtime cyclist what keeps them riding, and you’ll often hear one word: freedom .

There’s a unique joy that comes from riding a bike:

• Freedom from traffic

• Freedom from screens

• Freedom to explore your neighborhood at your own pace

• Freedom to move your body and feel alive 
  

Cycling doesn’t demand perfection—it only asks for participation. There’s no dress code, no membership fee, and no pressure to hit a certain speed. All that matters is showing up and pedaling.

One of the most beautiful aspects of National Bike Month is its inclusivity. People of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels can participate.

👶 Kids

• Ride with training wheels or on balance bikes

• Join safe, supervised group rides

• Bike to school events encourage independence and fun

👵 Older Adults

• Upright cruisers and step-through frames offer comfort

• E-bikes provide a power boost to tackle longer rides or hills

🚴‍♀️ New Riders

• Community rides build confidence

• Paved trails and greenways provide car-free routes

👪 Families

• Cargo bikes and trailers make it easy to ride with little ones

• Tandems and tag-alongs allow older kids to help pedal

🧑‍🦽 Adaptive Cycling

More communities are offering adaptive bike programs for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to experience the joy of cycling .

You don’t need to invest in expensive gear or sign up for a race to enjoy National Bike Month. Just follow these steps to get started:

🛠 Basic Bike Prep

• Inflate tires to the recommended pressure

• Check brakes and chain

• Test your lights (especially if riding at dusk)

• Visit a local bike shop for a tune-up if needed

👕 What to Wear

• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

• Helmet that fits snugly and meets safety standards

• Bright or reflective gear for visibility

🎒 What to Bring

• Water bottle

• Phone with a map or route app

• Small repair kit or pump (if you're venturing far)

📍 Choose a Route

• Start with short, familiar rides

• Use multi-use paths, greenways, or slow-traffic streets

• Apps like Komoot, Ride with GPS, and Google Maps (bike mode) can help plan easy routes

Riding a bike isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the world.

🌱 Environmental Benefits

• Zero emissions

• Reduces car traffic and pollution

• Helps lower your personal carbon footprint

🏙 Community Impact

• Less congestion on roads

• Encourages safer, more vibrant public spaces

• Supports local businesses through slower, more scenic travel

Cycling supports sustainable cities and healthier communities—and by riding even a few times a week, you're contributing to that change.

There’s no better time than National Bike Month to make cycling part of your life again. Whether it’s your first ride in years or just your first ride this week, the joy is waiting just outside your door.

✅ Dust off your bike
✅ Invite a friend or your family
✅ Plan a short ride today

Let’s roll into better health, more freedom, and a whole lot of fun—one pedal at a time.

👉 Join a local event, explore new trails, or simply ride around your block.
Start small. Ride often. Rediscover the joy.