Every year the League of American Bicyclists designates May as National Bike Month and the third week in May as National Bike to Work Week.

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will begin the activities with a 15- and 30-mile MPO Bike Ride on Saturday, May 13. The ride begins at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha at 9 a.m. (Registration required).

Marion will officially kick off Bike to Work Week activities on Tuesday, May 16, at 7:30 a.m., with a ride starting at Thomas Park and ending at City Square Park, followed by a mayoral proclamation.

On Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m., participate in the Linn County Ride of Silence to remember those lost in cycling accidents across the nation. The ride will start and end at City Square Park in Marion. It will travel on busier streets in Cedar Rapids and Marion with a police escort.

On Thursday, May 18, the City will host a Pedal Marion ride. This ride will begin at 6 p.m. and take a family-friendly pace using the Marion trail system. A Helmets and Hops social gathering will follow at Uptown businesses.

On Friday, May 19, the City will recognize National Bike to Work Day with a 7:30 a.m. ride from Butterfield Park to City Square Park.

“Marion’s trail network has seen a long-anticipated boost in the last few years with some much-needed improvements and connections,” said Kesha Billings, associate planner and 2023 Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. “We are excited to spread the word about how much we have grown our trail system and the great connections yet to come.”