Bike Month Hosts Events Throughout Durham

Bike Month will be celebrated in Durham throughout the month of May. Through group rides, cyclist socials, giveaways, workshops, and other events, Bike Month provides opportunities for all Durhamites to learn more about safely bicycling in their community. The history of Bike Month dates back to 1956 and is intended to raise awareness and promote safety for all road users. National Bike Month is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, and activities are celebrated in local communities nationwide. The City of Durham reports having participated in National Bike Month for several years and having had great success in promoting bicycling as a safe and viable method for commuting and recreating.  Bicycling is rapidly gaining popularity as a method of transportation and recreation in Durham and nationwide.  Events such as National Bike Month promote safety and educate motorists and cyclists alike about safety and mutual respect. “It is essential that we provide all Durham residents the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe on the road, and Bike Month activities accomplish this in a way that is fun and informative,” states Christin Lampkowski, Chair of Bike Durham.  “Whether a person commutes by bike daily or takes an occasional ride with their family, everyone has something to gain from Bike Month.” Bike Month also provides a meaningful way for local organizations to work together for the benefit of the community.  “I love how collaborative Bike Month is,” states Bike Durham board member Jack Warman.  “Organizations like Bike Durham, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), GoTriangle, and local bike shops are all teaming up to make Bike Month a memorable experience for everyone.” More information about Durham’s Bike Month, including a calendar of events, can be found at www.durhambikemonth.org. Here are the highlights of the 2015 Bike Month, in chronological order: 2015 Bike Month Kick-off Thursday May 7 5:00pm - 7:30pm Kick-off Bike Month in style at the American Tobacco Campus! Join us for speakers, giveaways and a family-friendly ride down the Tobacco Trail. Sponsored by GoSmart, Durham BPAC & Bike Durham. Bike Durham Big Spoon Ride Saturday May 9 9:00am A 23-mile Big Spoon loop out the Tobacco Trail around to the SoDu Farmers Market and back into downtown. The ride meets at Durham Central Park.  The pace will be relaxed. Sponsored by Big Spoon Roasters & Bike Durham. Seven Stars Cycles CycloFemme Ride Sunday May 10 11:00am Join us for a 10ish mile social ride leaving from the shop at 104 W Parrish St. CycloFemme is a grass-roots celebration of women on bikes uniting all riders, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or bicycle preference to share in the joy of cycling. Sponsored by Seven Stars Cycles. Seven Stars Cycles Bike-to-Work Week Social Monday May 11 5:00pm - 7:00pm Join us for a post-work social at Bull McCabes (427 W Main St in downtown) to kick off bike-to-work week. Sponsored by Seven Stars Cycles and Durham BPAC. Bike to Work Day Pit Stops Friday May 15 7:00am - 9:00am Stop by to grab light breakfast refreshments and bicycle commuting information and hang out with other bike commuters on your way to work. There will be two Pit Stop locations:  359 Blackwell Street at Diamond View III Courtyard (near the “Snorting Bull” at Durham Bulls Athletic Park) and the Bryan Center at Duke.  Sponsored by GoSmart, Duke University, Durham BPAC and Bike Durham. Art of the Bicycle Friday May 15 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Durham Bike Co-op partners with the Scrap Exchange to present a Bicycle art installation in the Cameron Gallery. All are invited to come to the event, help out, and enjoy the cool bikes and bike related art offered by various artists from the Durham community. The Wigg Report will be arriving by bike as usual and providing the musical entertainment for the evening from 7:30 till 8:30. For more, please visit: http://scrapexchange.org/cameron-gallery/ Wheels at Westover Saturday May 16 12:00pm - 3:00pm Join the Watts Hospital Hillandale Neighborhood for a celebration of bikes that includes safety skills, tips, a fix-it station, an opportunity to donate unused bikes, and information from local bicycle and bike-friendly groups. The event will take place at Westover Park in Durham.  Sponsored by the Watts Hospital Hillandale Neighborhood Association

South Durham Cyclists’ Social Monday May 18 5:00pm - 7:00pm Drop off the American Tobacco Trail at mile marker 5.75 and join us for free food and giveaways. The event takes place at 58Fifty Bistro, 5850 Fayetteville Road in Durham.  Sponsored by Bike Durham and Durham BPAC.

Ride of Silence Wednesday May 20 7:00pm Ride 5 miles in silence to honor cyclists who’ve been killed or injured while riding their bicycle. The event takes place at Research Triangle Park—see website for more details.  Sponsored by Bike Durham and the Durham MSFITS. http://www.rideofsilence.org/ Bike Durham Cyclists Workshops Wednesday May 13, 20 & 27 6:00pm Join Bike Durham Wednesdays in May for three free workshops for cyclists.  All events will take place at Bull City Coworking, 112 S. Duke Street.  Sponsored by Bike Durham. Workshop topics: Bike Commuting 101- the Basics - May 13 Bike Commuting 201 - Route Planning and Inclement Weather - May 20 Understanding the Law and Liability - May 27 For more information, see durhambikemonth.org. The event calendar can be found at GoTriangle.org/bikemonth. What upcoming bike events will you attend?