Bike Month

2013 Bike Month Commuter Challenge
MAY 1st - 31st
Click here to log your trips
The month long Bike Commuter Challenge is back again with plenty of opportunities to get out and ride! Sign up as a team or individual to participate. Log at least five trips during the month of May and be entered to win an overnight getaway to Portland with travel on Amtrak. Other prizes include gift certificates to Tacoma Bike, bike tune-ups, and team pizza parties—with a special drawing for a $100 Tacoma Bike gift certificate to go to a college or university student who logs five trips in May! Your college, university, or place of employment must be located in Pierce County in order to participate.
Sponsored by The Tacoma Wheelman Bicycle Club and Tacoma Bike

2013 Bike Month Calendar of Events
Click on event below for additional information

38th Annual Daffodil Classic Bicycle, April 14th
5th Annual Tacoma Bike Swap, April 27th
Zeit Bike: #bike253 Project, May 1st - May 16th

2013 Bike Month Commuter Challenge, May 1st - May 31st
Bike to Market Day at the Broadway Farmers’ Market, May 2nd
DOTG Bike Commuter Meet-Up, May 3, 10, 17 24 and 31
A Gentleman Rides: Commuter Fashion Show, May 3rd
Kidical Mass Tacoma’s Inaugural Family Ride, May 4th
Free Bicycle Maintenance Class, May 6, 13, 20 and 27
Beginner Bike Ride, May 7, 14, 21 and 28
Bicycling Basics Workshop, May 8th
Tacoma’s Remarkable Bicycling History, May 14th
Bicycling Basics Workshop, May 15th
Zeit Bike: Bike to the Museum and #bike253! May 16th
TRH Pint Pedaler: A Bike Map to Tacoma’s Craft Breweries, May 18th
Bike to a Better Tacoma, May 22nd
Bridge to Beer: A Ride Across the Tacoma Narrows, May 27th
2013 Tacoma Twilight Criterium Classic, June 29th
Tour de Pierce Summer Bicycle Ride, June 30th

38th Annual Daffodil Classic Bicycle
SUNDAY, APRIL 14th REGISTRATION OPEN 7AM-12PM, COURSE OPEN 7AM-5PM
Orting Middle School, 111 Whitehawk Blvd NW, Orting, WA
The Daffodil Classic winds through the beautiful Orting valley and surrounding hills. Bring your bike, tandem or unicycle- all cyclists are welcome! There are routes for families, recreational cyclists, and serious roadies. Choose from 40-mile, 60-mile, and 100-mile loops; or a family-friendly paved trail option from 1 mile up to 30 miles. Enjoy strawberry shortcake at the finish line!

For event details and registration information click here.

5th Annual Tacoma Bike Swap
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th 10AM-2PM
University of Puget Sound Memorial Fieldhouse, N 11th Ave and Union, Tacoma, WA
Want to sell one of those bikes cluttering up the garage? Looking for that perfect vintage cruiser? Whether buying or selling, join us for this exciting community event! While you’re there, check out these highlights:

Free Bike Corral for anyone with just one or two bikes to sell—with a new section this year just for kids bikes, scoots, and trailers!
Low-cost adult and children’s helmets and free helmet fittings with Downtown on the Go!
Bike experts from GeoEngineers to offer advice at the Bike Corral and do minor bike repairs.
Free flat tire repairs with Tacoma Bike
Children’s Bike Roadeo.

For more information or to register as a vendor click here or send an email.
Hosted by University of Puget Sound

Free Bicycle Maintenance Class
EVERY MONDAY THROUGHOUT MAY 5:30PM
Tacoma Bike-Proctor, 3816 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA
Learn how to keep you and your bike in top shape during these free bicycle maintenance classes.

Learn more about the week’s topic and RSVP on Tacoma Bike’s Facebook page.

Beginner Bike Ride
EVERY TUESDAY THROUGHOUT MAY 6:30PM
Tacoma Bike-Proctor, 3816 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA
Whether you are new to cycling or want to try riding again after taking a break for the winter, this ride series is for you. Join Tacoma Bike’s Emily on an hour-long ride for new cyclists. This ride will be 5-10 miles long, no-drop rule (no one is left behind)--Just bring a helmet and a buddy! See the dates for specific rides below.

May 7: All Ages Ride
May 14: Women’s Only Ride
May 21: Recreational Ride
May 28: Women’s Only Ride

DOTG Bike Commuter Meet-Up
This event is 21+ only
EVERY FRIDAY THROUGHOUT MAY 5PM
The Broken Spoke, 1014 S MLK Jr Way, Tacoma, WA
Whether you have been commuting to work by bike for years or are just trying it for this first time this May, you are welcome to join this gathering of cyclists at the Broken Spoke to relax over a beer, swap stories, and share information about what it takes to be a bike commuter in Tacoma.DOTG Bike Commuter Meet-Up

Zeit Bike: #bike253 Project
MAY 1st - MAY 16th
All across Pierce County and at the Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA, 5PM-8PM on May 16th to collect photos
We want to see you on your bike! Take a photo through instagram (or any other interface that uses hashtagging) and add #bike253. We will print out your photo and display it the day before Zeit Bike: Bike to the Museum on May 16. You can pick up the photograph and take it home to display in your own gallery!

The deadline for submitting photos is May 16th at noon.

Bike to Market Day at the Broadway Farmers’ Market
THURSDAY, MAY 2nd 10AM-3PM
Broadway Farmers’ Market, Broadway St between S 9th and 11th Ave, Tacoma, WA
Bike to the opening day of the Broadway Tacoma Farmers' Market and gear up for Bike Month! Present your helmet at the Farmers' Market booth and receive a $2 token just for riding! Downtown on the Go! will be selling low cost helmets and fitting them for free! Map Masters on hand to highlight fun rides in Pierce County and point out the routes to help you best avoid the hills in Tacoma.
Sponsored by Downtown on the Go!

A Gentleman Rides: Commuter Fashion Show
This event is 21+ only
FRIDAY, MAY 3rd 8PM
The Broken Spoke, 1014 S MLK Jr Way, Tacoma, WA
A men’s fashion show highlighting the evolution of bicycles and menswear over the decades. This show will feature looks created by Feather and Oar, pieces from the Skid Kings Club’s vast collection of vintage bikes and models picked from Tacoma’s own cycling community.
Presented by Feather and Oar, The Broken Spoke, and the Skid Kings

Kidical Mass Tacoma’s Inaugural Family Ride
(All Ages) at the Proctor Farmers Market
SATURDAY, MAY 4th 9AM-3PM
2702 N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA
A ride for families and children, Kidacle Mass Tacoma kicks-off a monthly summer series with a short loop route from the Proctor Farmers Market to Jefferson Park. Bike decorating before, a stop to play in the middle, and snacks at the finish. Ride starts at N 27th and Madison, helmets required. Bike Month 2013 will be present at the Market prior to the ride to help with decorations, fitting helmets and offering advice with the Map Master. Ride starts at 2:00 PM.

More details can be found at tacomabikeranch.blogspot.com.

Bicycling Basics Workshop
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8th 6:30PM-8PM
Defiance Bicycles, 411 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA
Whether you are a new rider of just curious about bicycles, this workshop will put you on track to become a more comfortable, confident cyclist. Presentation on “bicycle anatomy,” essential gear, rules of the road and safe riding technique will be followed by a “No Question Too Basic” Q&A.

Please RSVP at defiancecyclesllc@gmail.com by May 6.

Tacoma’s Remarkable Bicycling History
TUESDAY, MAY 14th 6PM
Tacoma Main Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma, WA
Did you know that bicyclists helped to pave the way for Tacoma’s first roads? Or that Tacoma was once the cycling capitol of the Pacific Northwest? Come to this presentation about Tacoma’s Remarkable Bicycle History—delivered by Tacoma’s Active Transportation Coordinator, Diane Wiatr—and learn more about the role that cycling has played in Tacoma’s rich history. Stick around afterward to enjoy a free screening of the Academy Award nominated, animated film The Triplets of Belleville (PG-13).

Lecture begins at 6:00 PM; film starts at 6:30 PM.

Bicycling Basics Workshop
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15th 6:30PM-8PM
Defiance Bicycles, 411 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA
If you missed the first Bicycle Basic Workshop, you still have a chance to get in on the action! Whether you are a new rider or just curious about bicycles, this workshop will put you on track to become a more comfortable, confident cyclist. Presentation on “bicycle anatomy,” essential gear, rules of the road and safe riding technique will be followed by a “No Question Too Basic” Q&A.

Please RSVP to: defiancecyclesllc@gmail.com by May 13.

Zeit Bike: Bike to the Museum and #bike253!
THURSDAY, MAY 16th 5PM-8PM
Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA
Ride your bike to the Tacoma Art Museum and enjoy an evening of art activities that you can use to embellish your bike. Learn more about Bike Month 2013 and see a collection of photos as part of #bike253! Make sure to see the exhibition Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle. Admission is free as part of Third Thursday.

TRH Pint Pedaler: A Bike Map to Tacoma’s Craft Breweries
This event is 21+ only.
SATURDAY, MAY 18th 11AM-7PM
The Red Hot, 2914 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA
Join us at the Red Hot for a Beer Garden debut of the TRH Pint Pedaler: A Bike Map to Tacoma’s Craft Breweries. This event features raffles, limited edition spokecards, Pierce County Bike Maps, bike troubleshooting and tune-up help from Tacoma’s 2nd Cycle(noon-4PM), and plenty of craft beer for thirsty cyclists. Let’s fill Tacoma’s only on-street bike corral!

Bike to a Better Tacoma
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22nd 5PM-7PM
The Hub Event Space, 203 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma, WA
Join with fellow bicyclists and City staff members to learn more about hopes, visions and plans for a more bike-able Tacoma. Meet members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Committee and get updates on implementation of the Mobility Master Plan. If you bike to the Hub, grab a free slice of pizza. Plus, witness Tacoma’s only valet bike parking, courtesy of 2nd Cycle Bike Collective. Doors open at 5:00 PM; presentation by City Staff will begin at 6:00 PM.
Sponsored by The Hub

Bridge to Beer: A Ride Across the Tacoma Narrows
MONDAY, MAY 27th 12PM
Defiance Bicycles, 411 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA
Have you been riding your bike to work as part of the 2013 Commuter Challenge? Do you want to learn more about what other commuter cyclists have been doing at their work places and celebrate the successes of Bike Month 2013? Join us for a ride across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and share a beer and camaraderie at the 7 Seas Brewery. Ride and event are all ages, no-drop rule (no one is left behind). Bring your helmet, a friend, and a snack!

2013 Tacoma Twilight Criterium Classic
SATURDAY, JUNE 29th 3:30PM-9PM
Proctor Business District, cross streets of 26th and Proctor, Tacoma, WA
The Criterium is unlike any other type of bicycle race—taking place on a short, closed city street circuit, this style of race gives spectators the opportunity to see the high speed—up to 35 mph or more--action up close! Whether or not you are aware of the intricacies of competitive cycling, the excitement of the race will be enjoyed by all!

Tour de Pierce Summer Bicycle Ride
SUNDAY, JUNE 30th 7:30AM-2:30PM
110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA (Meet at the Gold Parking Lot of the Western Washington Fairgrounds)
Tour de Pierce is a summer bicycle ride through central Pierce County for fitness and fun, promoting bicycle awareness and safety. Choose from the following:

The 12-mile route provides a flat, easy ride suitable for families and novice riders
The 30-mile loop extends the ride past farms, flower fields, and more scenic views of Pierce County’s waterways and Mt. Rainier
The 50-mile course travels through parts of Puyallup, Sumner, South Prairie and Orting

Click here to register for this event.

2012 Bike Month Recap

Bike Month 2012 was a great success! We saw great participation in the Bike Swap and the Commuter Challenge and a robust list of community partners sponsored and hosted bicycling events throughout May. Thank you to the many cyclists who participated, we hope to see you out on the roads year-round and back again at Bike Month events in 2013! Check out Bike Month photos and keep up with bicycling events year-round by becoming a fan of PierceTrips and TacomaMobility on Facebook.