Open streets and group rides — Long Beach celebrates National Bike Month

In an area that could park no more than three cars, hundreds of bicycles are valeted next to each other outside Bixby Park during the Beach Streets event on May 20, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

This May, the City of Long Beach will continue its annual celebration of Bike Month, a nationwide initiative that highlights the many benefits of cycling. 

All month long, locals are encouraged to join in a range of cycling-themed events that support eco-friendly travel, personal wellness and community engagement.

“National Bike Month is a time to highlight the many benefits of cycling and our City’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, active transportation. Long Beach has long been a leader in creating bike-friendly infrastructure, and we remain dedicated to expanding access and safety for all who ride,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. “From community bike rides to educational events, this month is an opportunity for residents of all ages to embrace cycling as a fun, healthy and eco-friendly way to explore our city.”

Ryan, who declined to give his last name, rides his custom, modified BMX bike with a swivel joint at the seat post that allows the bike to make near 90-degree turns at the top of the Pike Outlets Parking Garage before a ride out on April 16, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Long Beach’s National Bike Month events include the following:

  • Beach Streets – West Long Beach
    Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    West Long Beach will transform into a car-free zone where people can bike, walk or skate freely through the streets. This year’s edition will spotlight the Westside Promise Initiative, a long-term effort to bring resources and investment to historically underserved neighborhoods.
  • Bike to Work Week
    May 12–18, multiple locations
    Commuters are encouraged to swap four wheels for two during this weeklong celebration of biking to work. Check the city’s website for updates on group rides, pop-up events and bicycle maintenance stations hosted by local mobility advocates.
  • Kidical Mass – Bixby Knolls
    Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m.
    Families can meet outside Pixie Toys for a fun, slow-paced bike ride through the Bixby Knolls area. Now in its 13th year, the event blends exercise with stops for snacks and chances to support nearby small businesses.
  • Bike Lane Beautification – East Marina Drive
    Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. to noon
    Volunteers are invited to help clear debris and litter from the protected bike path near Second Street and East Marina Drive. Participants should come prepared with sun protection, work gloves and trash bags suitable for outdoor cleanup.
  • Broadway Bike Ride & Coffee Social
    Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m.
    Cyclists will gather at Promenade Square for a guided ride along Broadway’s protected bike lanes, stretching from Downtown to Redondo Avenue. The ride ends with a group visit to a local café for coffee and conversation.
  • Uptown Community Ride – Artesia Boulevard
    Saturday, May 31, 10:30 a.m.
    Hosted by the Health Department, this easy-paced ride explores recent improvements to Artesia Boulevard’s streetscape. Riders will get a firsthand look at new bike lanes and urban design enhancements in the northern part of the city.

For a complete list of events and more details, visit longbeach.gov/bikemonth.

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