This post was informed by the Take the Friendly Road Newsletter produced by Santa Monica Department of Transportation.
May is Bike Month, and the city has a series of fun and educational events that are free an open to the public. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or looking to try something new, there’s an event for you in Bike Month.
Bike Month 2024 events in Santa Monica:
Bike Skills 101
Saturday, May 4th, 2024 – 11:00 AM to NOON
SMC Sustainability Center
During this in-classroom workshop participants will review ABC Quick Check, Rules of the Road, and upcoming projects in the City of Santa Monica. This session will be led by League of American Bicyclist’s League Certified Instructor Jayro Queme. A bike is not needed to attend. There will be no on-bike components to the workshop.
Bike It Walk It Bus It Week
Monday, May 6th thru Friday, May 10th
Each year schools work to encourage as many students as possible to bike, walk, skate, scoot, or ride the bus to school. Teachers participate by counting the number of kids who participate in a districtwide competition to see who can get the most. Launched in 2010, Bike It! Walk It! is now a parent-led initiative. Participation will vary by school.
Big Blue Bus is celebrating this week by giving K-12 students who attend school in Santa Monica free rides. Eligible students may 1) Use Your GoPass TAP Card or 2) Show Your Valid School ID to the Operator.
MANGo Milestone Community Ride
Saturday, May 11th 10AM to 12PM
17th/SMC Station (accessible via E Line)
Enjoy a free five-mile social bike ride with Metro Bike Share, Santa Monica Spoke, and the City of Santa Monica! This ride is the perfect way to learn more about the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo). This ride is “no-drop,” meaning we will maintain a comfortable and inclusive pace for all participants.
Bike Anywhere Day
Thursday, May 16th
A variety of bike-centered events are sprouted up throughout the City of Santa Monica on May 16th, including the annual pit stop in front of City Hall from 8AM to 10AM. To celebrate, cyclists who bring their bicycle, folding bicycle or helmet can ride on any Big Blue Bus for FREE. Click the button below to view a map of what’s happening in the community.
Kidical Mass Bike Ride
Sunday, May 19th 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Clover Park
Co-hosted by Santa Monica Spoke, the Kidical Mass bike ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair is back at Clover Park! Remember to wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness! This group ride will help all participants develop skills and comfort for bike riding in the city. Riders can stop by BBQ #1 area (near the trailers) of Clover Park between 11:00AM and 3:00PM to learn more about the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project at this community engagement kick-off.
Volunteers needed for Kidical Mass! Email volunteer@SMSpoke.org to help that day.
Adult Learn to Ride Classes w/ Sustainable Streets
Sundays: May 5th, May 12th, and May 19th
Santa Monica Beach Bike Campus
This practical hands-on learn to ride class for adults age 18 and up will get you rolling in no time. Our certified bicycle instructors create a fun low-stress environment to help you learn the basics of balancing and pedaling before moving on to more advanced skills. If you already know how to balance and pedal our instructors will teach valuable skills such as turning, steering with one hand, scanning, signaling and tips for choosing a bike to fit your riding intentions.
Bicycle Maintenance Classes w/ SMC
Spring 2024 (April 29th thru June 10th)
Santa Monica College offers free, noncredit classes to jumpstart your career and develop new skills! Classes are in-person on SMC’s main campus. Register by filling out the SMC Noncredit Registration Form and email to NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu. Find details here or call 310 434-3399.
More information can be found in this newsletter.
Know of another Bike Month Event? Let us know at damien@santamonicanext.org.
