Pasadena Embraces Pedal Power for Bike Month

Pasadena residents are dusting off their helmets and pumping up their bicycle tires in anticipation of Bike Month, a citywide celebration of cycling as a sustainable and engaging mode of transportation.

The event, a collaborative effort by the City of Pasadena, Day One, and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, aims to promote cycling and foster a sense of community.

With a lineup of events ranging from historical tours to women’s empowerment rides, Bike Month promises to be an enjoyable celebration of community engagement and cycling culture.

“The City is pleased to once again support Bike Month and we encourage Pasadena residents and visitors to enjoy all that Pasadena has to offer while pedaling a bicycle,” Joaquin Siques, Director of the Pasadena Department of Transportation, said. 

The month-long campaign kicks off on Sunday, May 5 with National Ride a Bike Day, inviting participants to take a spin on their bicycles and explore the city at their leisure. Initiated by the League of American Bicyclists in 2021, National Ride a Bike Day is a reminder that life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes. 

“There are so many reasons to bike: because riding a bike is fun! Because riding a bike brings us joy, health, and happiness,” the city said in an announcement. “And because when all of us who ride bikes ride together on National Ride A Bike Day, we can show our neighbors and our leaders why making it easier, safer, and more accessible to ride a bike is so important to so many people.” 

Throughout the month, cyclists will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events tailored to their interests and preferences.

One such event is the Bicycle Tour of Pasadena African American History: The 710 Stub, on Saturday, May 11, led by Allen Edson, President of the NAACP Pasadena branch. This guided tour will highlight significant historical landmarks, including the 210 freeway and the community displaced by its construction, providing participants with valuable insights into Pasadena’s African American history.

Additionally, the Women of Pasadena Ride on Sunday, May 12, will celebrate the contributions of women to the city’s history and culture. Cyclists will explore significant sites in women’s history while supporting women-owned businesses, fostering a sense of empowerment and community pride.

In a display of solidarity, cyclists worldwide will join the Ride of Silence on May 15 – a silent, slow-paced ride honoring those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Pasadena participants will meet at the Rose Bowl Parking Lot K (North End) at 6 p.m. and will roll out at 7 p.m. 

Bike to Work Day on May 16 will provide an opportunity for commuters to ditch their cars and pedal their way to the office. Participants can stop by the Bike to Work Day rest stop at Pasadena City Hall for free refreshments and biking information, helping to promote a healthier and more eco-friendly commute.

Highlighting the intersection of art and cycling, the Pasadena Public Art Ride on May 18 will take participants on a journey to visit the locations of Pasadena’s newest public art installations. Led by the Complete Streets Coalition and City of Pasadena Arts and Culture staff, the ride will showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene while promoting active transportation.

An E-bike Expo on Sunday, May 19, will offer a chance for Bike Month participants to see and test ride electric bikes from six local bike shops in one convenient location: Jefferson Park at 1501 E. Villa Street. 

The Pasadena Ice Cream Ride on May 26 concludes the month-long celebration. Participants can indulge in America’s favorite frozen treat while enjoying a leisurely bike ride through the city. 

For a complete listing of the events during Pasadena Bike Month and registration instructions, visit www.godayone.org/bikemonthpasadena or check out www.cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/news/city-of-pasadena-announces-bike-month-2024/.