This summer, the National Bike Challenge is uniting 50,000 riders from across the country to ride 30 million miles. The National Bike Challenge is a fun, free, game-changing challenge where bicyclists log their miles they ride online.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is calling upon people who ride bikes in Iowa to participate. “We know we are a top state for bicycling. This contest gives Iowa a chance to prove it.” says Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
In previous challenges, Iowa has placed within the top 10 of US states. Wyatt adds, “we are so close to the other states. We just need more participants logging their miles.”
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Area: Central Iowa - Des Moines-based
Timeline: May 1st - May 31st
Join/Sign up:www.bikemonthiowa.com
While some people think of May flowers, the Des Moines Bicycle Collective’s board, staff and volunteers think “Bike Month!”
“Each year, the event, and enthusiasm for biking, has grown, and today, we celebrate May as Bike MONTH with events that include a Bike Commute Challenge, as well as organized rides for education and fun,” explained Jeremy Lewis, the Des Moines Bicycle Collective (DMBC) executive director.
The purpose of Bike Month is to provide opportunities for people to get involved in the bicycling culture of Central Iowa. As Iowa continues to strive for the Healthiest State recognition, bicycling is one way to exercise, get somewhere you want to go, and save money on gas all at the same time.
Organized by the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, Bike Month provides a time each year to gauge how many people are riding their bikes and why. Jay Polson, board chair of the DMBC, said, “Are you commuting to work, are you riding the trails with your grandchild, are you riding to the coffee shop or grocery store?... join the fun by registering atwww.bikemonthiowa.comand participate in the Passport Adventure.”
The Passport Adventure provides a list of events taking place throughout the metro area in May. Participate in as many as you can, get your Passport stamped each time and become eligible to win prizes from local bike shops and restaurants.
“We have our tried and true events such as the Coolest Bike in Town contest and Wheels & Heels – and we have some new events such as the Tour de Cluck and many community rides with local Mayors,” added Lewis. “Not to mention that we are encouraging every business to register a team for the Bike Commute Challenge and log their collective miles throughout May.”
Check our website for a complete list of events, updates and inclement weather announcements –www.bikemonthiowa.com.
THINK BICYCLES - BIKE TO WORK AND SCHOOL
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Area: East Central Iowa -Coralville and Iowa City-based
Timeline: May 5th - May 16th
Join/Sign up:www.thinkbicycles.org/bike-to-work-week
Bike to Work is generously supported by the City of Coralville, City of Iowa City, andsponsors of the Think Bicycles Coalition.
We encourage riding not only to work but school, the gym, parks, grocery stores, and everywhere else.
Start the week with a bike commuter breakfast at Thirtieth Century Bicycles, 312 E. Prentiss St., and at lunchtime cheer on your favorite in the Bike/Bus/Car race. There’s lots more planned the rest of the week, including the family-friendly Old Pi to New Pi Ride on Wednesday evening.
Other Communities
Bike to Work Week Cedar Falls
Bike to Work Week Cedar Rapids
Cedar Valley Bike to Work
Bike to Work Week Dubuque
Do you have a Bike Month Program you want listed here?
email Biker@BIKEIOWA.com and/or list you individual events on the BIKEIOWA calendar.