Beginner’s Bagel Ride Offers Pasadena Cyclists a Friendly Start to Biking City Streets

Family-friendly event aims to build confidence, teach safe riding skills during Pasadena Bike Month
Published on May 1, 2025

[photo credit: EventBrite]

Pasadena’s cycling community is inviting beginners to saddle up for a relaxed, supportive bike ride designed to build street-riding confidence. The Beginner’s Bagel Ride, scheduled for Sunday, May 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., offers a low-pressure way for new riders to learn key safety skills while enjoying a scenic, social cruise through city streets.

The event, hosted by the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition in partnership with Day One and the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation, is part of Pasadena Bike Month and aims to empower those who know how to ride a bike but may feel uneasy navigating traffic.

Participants will gather at Caltech Parking Lot #10, where the ride will begin with a short skills session led by a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Riders will then embark on an approximately 8-mile, slow-paced group ride that includes a stop for bagels and multiple opportunities to discuss safe biking techniques like hand signaling, lane positioning, and gear use.

“This ride is for anyone who wants to gain confidence riding on city streets in a supportive and friendly environment,” organizers wrote on the event page. “We’ll go over important skills and build up your comfort level riding with others and with traffic.”

Though the event is family-friendly, it is not recommended for children under 10 due to the length and elevation gain (roughly 300 feet) of the route. All participants are required to bring a working bicycle and a helmet, and should ensure their bikes are road-ready before arriving.

As additional safety recommendations, participants are advised to bring water, snacks, and sun protection; carry a spare tube that fits your tires, and use the Transit app for directions if arriving without a car.

Participation is free, but group size is limited and RSVPs are required to attend. Interested riders can reserve their spot at bit.ly/BeginnerBagelRide.

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