National Bike Month is cruising through Long Beach to showcase the benefits of cycling and encourage residents to incorporate bicycling into their daily lives.
The City and multiple neighborhoods will host bicycle-centered free events throughout May, from community bike rides and free check-ups to giveaways and pop-ups. Residents participating in any of the events or riding their bikes throughout the month can fill out an online form to receive a patch or sticker commemorating the 2024 Bike Month Challenge.
The Bike Month Challenge is beginner-friendly, with challenges like a 5-mile ride, biking to a park, store or business; riding with a friend, using the City’s Bike Share Program, adding a safety measure to a bike, or trying a new type of bicycle.
Bike Month events in May include:
Uptown Long Beach Bike Tour – Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Local organization Bike the Vote Long Beach will lead this tour through uptown, beginning at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.) and ending at CoffeeDrunk (4374 Atlantic Ave.). The group will stop at community spots and corridor murals, including the new mural at CoffeeDrunk. The tour will loop back to Houghton Park and will total 10 to 12 miles. Participants should have a bike in working order and bring a helmet, bike lock, and a repair kit. Participants should be comfortable riding on sidewalks and riding through and in arterial streets.
Lions Lighthouse Ride – Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.
This group bike ride will begin at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) and ride along the shoreline to visit Lions Lighthouse for a scenic morning ride. This ride is approximately 5 miles round trip. Participants can receive free bicycle checkups before the ride from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Social Cycling Ride – Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Local groups Ladies Ride LBC and Ciclaholic will host a 10-mile social bike ride on the seafront beach bike path. The group will meet at Starbucks (5251 Second St.) at 9:30 a.m. and roll out at 10 a.m. Any type of bike type is accepted, as well as skateboards, roller skates, scooters and other modes of alternative transportation.
Ride of Silence – Wednesday, May 15, from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This ride of silence will honor the lives of cyclists who have been killed or injured while sharing the road with motorists in an effort to spread awareness and help make roads safer. Participants will meet in the parking lot of the beach side of E. Ocean Boulevard and Bay Shore Avenue.
West Side Community Bike Ride – Friday, May 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
City staff will host a bicycle rodeo and bike safety workshop at Silverado Park (1545 West 31st St.). A 5-mile community bike ride will take off from the park at 2 p.m.
Pedestrian Takeover – Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Los Angeles County nonprofit CicLAvia will take its mission of opening streets up to residents and foot traffic to the Wilmington neighborhood in Long Beach. A 2.25-mile stretch will be closed to cars, with two hubs connecting to Banning Park and various pop-ups, games and activities throughout the route. This event is free and open to all ages.
Kidical Bike Mass – Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m.
This monthly kid and parent-friendly community bike ride takes attendees on a unique route through Bixby Knolls and provides snacks to kids. Participants will meet in the parking lot behind Pixie Toys at 3914 Atlantic Ave.
Bike to Work Day – Tuesday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Long Beach Alliance will host this pop-up at Harvey Milk Park (185 E Third St.) encouraging residents to ride their bicycles to work. The pop-up will include coffee, snacks, a small breakfast and small giveaways. Local bike shop Pedal Movement will be at the pop-up with a tire pump and other services.
Downtown Infrastructure Ride – Thursday, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
City staff will lead a group bike ride through roughly four blocks of the downtown Long Beach area to discover various bicycle infrastructure projects. The group will meet and take off from City Hall (411 W Ocean Blvd.).
Fourth Fridays on Retro Row – Friday, May 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This monthly corridor activation along Fourth Street will include special Bike Month-themed features, such as on-site bicycle valet services, a Long Beach bicycle co-op pop-up and more.
Moonlight Mash – Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m.
This community-led group bike ride from Moonlight Mash Long Beach takes place every month on the night of a full moon. The theme for May’s bike ride is Rainbow Pride. Many participants show up with bright lights attached to their bikes.
Long Beach Loop Ride – Sunday, May 26 at 9 a.m.
City staff will lead this 30-mile bike ride around Long Beach, beginning at Marina Green Park (386 E Shoreline Drive) and trekking through bike paths along the LA River Trail, the Carson Street Recreational Path, the San Gabriel River Trail and back to the beach path. Free bike checkups will be available before the ride from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Bike Fix-It Day – Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents can receive bike tune-ups at a low cost or donation-based services on Promenade between First and Third Streets. This event is organized by the Long Beach Bike Co-op.
All month long, Public Works will be posting different challenges on Instagram at @goactivelb, and participants are encouraged to tag @goactivelb while completing challenges.
For more information on the different challenges and to log achievements, visit longbeach.gov/bikemonth.
