The Flagstaff Biking Organization is celebrating 20 years of Flagstaff Bike Month running through May with a packed calendar of activities.
As in past years, riders will have numerous opportunities throughout May to win raffle prizes in the Biking Challenge. To do so, participants will simply need to log their daily commute, mountain bike ride, dirt park shred or peddle downtown at flagstaffbiking.org for a chance to win. Raffle prizes for the challenge were generously donated by Flagstaff local businesses.
Local restaurants are offering special deals for folks who ride to dine-in or pick up takeout food on Tuesdays during Flagstaff Bike Month.
The Flagstaff Downtown Library will be conducting a Bike Bingo all month long. Stop by the library starting May 1 to get your bingo cards and instructions to win raffle prizes sponsored by the Flagstaff Downtown Library.
On May 9, bicyclists of all skill levels will be challenged with the Lowell Observatory Mars Hill Challenge Ride, where participants tackle Mars Hill Road anytime between noon and 5 p.m. to earn a 2-for-1 pass to Lowell Observatory.
Learn how to be a safer bicyclist with the Savvy Cyclist Bike Safety Class on May 10, a free event at City Hall from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and online. This session will be taught by League of American Bicyclists certified instructors Martin Ince and Kim Austin. Learn the basics of bicycle safety and the many laws of the road for bikes, cars and pedestrians.
On May 16, the Flagstaff Biking Organization is encouraging all school-aged students to Bike to School. Bike to School Day will culminate with a Kidical Mass Ride and Ice Cream Social. Participants should meet at Sechrist School at 4 p.m. on May 16 for an all-levels bike ride, with a Flagstaff Police Department escort, along the FUTS trail. Ice cream treats will be provided after the ride.
One of the most popular events during previous Flagstaff Bike Months was the Bike to Breakfast. Flagstaff Biking Organization is happy to report this beloved event is back this year! Bike to Breakfast will occur on May 17 with various stops around town, providing bagels, burritos, donuts, coffee and more. A map of all the breakfast locations will be posted soon on the organization’s website. Check to see which stop is along your route, hit one or hit them all!
The Bike Bazaar, Bike and Gear Swap with the costume Bike Parade is the eagerly awaited event where locals can learn about everything bike related happening in Flagstaff. The event starts at 9 a.m. May 21 at Heritage Square with the costume Bike Parade kicking off at 11 a.m. Discounted bicycle helmets, kids (and adults) can make a custom bike t-shirt, demonstrations from the Mountain Line, Flagstaff Trails Initiative, and Metroplan and so much more will occur during the Bike Bazaar, Bike and Gear Swap! Space to sell your own gear can be reserved online.
Finally, finish off Bike Month with a discussion on how to make Flagstaff bikeable and walkable for all on June 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Library Community Room. This discussion will be led by Adam Shimoni, Flagstaff Biking Organization board member and longtime bike activist. Please visit the library’s website for more information and to register for the event.
This year’s Flagstaff Bike Month sponsors are Cambium Wealth & Legacy Strategies, Dark Sky Brewing, Flagstaff Emergency Physicians and PROOF – Physical Therapy Performance.
Flagstaff Biking Organization is committed to promoting bicycling as a safe and attractive means of transportation and recreation in Northern Arizona. Along with Flagstaff Bike Month, Flagstaff Biking Organization holds trail building events, works for policy change, and advocates for bicyclists throughout Northern Arizona. An entire calendar of events for Flagstaff Bike Month and more can be found at the organization’s website.