If you didn’t already know it, the month of May is National Bike Month. The League of American Bicyclists sponsors National Bike Month. According to the bicycle league’s official website, National Bike Month was established in 1956 “to showcase the many benefits of bicycling– and encourage more folks to giving [sic] biking a try.”

Many communities across the United States hold special events in the month of May to celebrate National Bike Month. For instance, the City of Raleigh, North Carolina held several events this month in recognition of National Bike Month. From a bike rodeo to Bike to School Day, Raleigh featured a long list of lively bike events for their citizens.

For further reading: City of Raleigh to Celebrate National Bike Month

 

celebrate national bike month in detroit
Detroiters enjoying the Opening Day of Slow Roll Detroit (Photo by Good Life Detroit)

 

Read Good Life Detroit’s post Snapshots Around Town: Slow Roll Detroit Opening Day 2017 – Detroit’s largest group bike ride held each Monday beginning in May!

 

For Michiganders, bicycling is a very popular activity. Bike enthusiasts across the state ride bikes to work, to get around town, and just for fun. I remember when I first moved to Michigan, I was so amazed at how many people rode bikes. The small Tennessee city where I’m from did not have a lot of people who rode their bikes around the city. Bicycling seemed to be more popular for the youth in Tennessee, but here in Michigan, just about everybody rides their bike!

 

National Bike Month Ends May 31, 2017

National Bike Month comes to an end on May 31st, but you still have time to celebrate National Bike Month! If you live in the Detroit area, I found a couple of bicycling events which are being held in Detroit over Memorial Day weekend.

If you are a bicyclist, you may find these bicycling events very interesting. Or maybe you don’t bike much, but going on a bike ride sounds like a delightful activity to do this weekend. Then check out these Detroit bicycling events!

 

Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop

Extended Techno Bicycle Tour | Friday at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Belle Isle Bike Tour | Saturday, May 27th at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Music Heritage Bike Tour | Saturday, May 27th at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Techno Bicycle Tour | Sunday, May 28th at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

 

For more information about each bike tour, click on the specific tour’s link.

Wheelhouse Detroit’s official website:

 https://wheelhousedetroit.squarespace.com/belle-isle-tour

 

Dequindre Cut Bike Ride hosted by DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Sunday, May 28th at 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the Dequindre Cut Bike Ride, check out their Facebook event page!

 

celebrate national bike month
Detroit, Michigan | Mural by Pop Art Monkey (Photo by Jennifer Hamra for Good Life Detroit)

Other Ideas for Celebrating National Bike Month in Detroit

  • Ride your bike throughout Eastern Market. Enjoy the city scenery and beautiful murals. Stop in Supino’s Pizza or grab a bite to eat at a food truck during the Saturday Market.
  • Ride your bike in Downtown Detroit. Take in the historic city buildings. Brake (get it?) for lunch at American Coney Island or grab a sweet treat at Detroit Water Ice Factory.
  • Ride your bike at a Metro Detroit metro park, such as Lake St. Clair Metropark, Huron-Clinton Metropark, or Stoney Creek Metropark. Bike the nature trails and enjoy the breath-taking lakes and nature scenery.

BONUS: Make it a photography bike ride! Bring your camera with you or use your cell phone to capture images of your bike ride.

 

celebrate national bike month
Bicyclists get ready to go on a bike ride in Eastern Market. (Photo by Good Life Detroit)

Turn your bike ride into a bike photography ride by capturing your favorite sightings with your camera!

I love bicycling, but I don’t have a bike. What do I do?

Don’t own a bike? Visiting Detroit and left your bike at home? That’s okay! If you plan on bicycling in Detroit, there are businesses in Detroit which offer bike rentals.  MoGo Detroitthe new Detroit bike share system, now features 43 stations in Detroit neighborhoods. You can rent a bike for the day for as little as $8.  Wheelhouse Detroit also offers bike rentals. 

 

Happy biking!

 

Do you enjoy bicycling in your community?

 

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].