If you enjoy riding a bicycle, you won’t want to miss the free Alameda Bike Festival on Saturday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ruby Bridges Elementary School, 351 Jack London Avenue.
[1]
The event includes all kinds of activities for both adults and kids, including:
- Free bike repairs with Bay Area BikeMobile [2]. First-come, first-served. Priority to kids’ bikes; adult bikes also welcome.
- Helmet fitting and giveaway.
- Helmet decorating.
- Adaptative bicycling resources with BORP [3] Adaptive Sports & Recreation.
- Making a smoothie with the bike blender.
- Testing your safety knowledge.
- Free bike goodies.
There will also be food trucks, music, and four different workshops and classes, from ones for kids just learning to ride, to those for adults and teens wanting to improve their safe riding skills.
Register for free workshops and classes
Pre-registration is required for most workshops/classes. Here’s a list of what’s on tap:
- Kids Learn 2 Ride Workshop for kids (with a family member) who want to learn to ride a bike, noon to 2 p.m.
- This interactive family class, offered by Alameda Bicycle [4] will teach kids how to ride without training wheels. The class starts with taking off any training wheels and pedals, then goes over the three rules of how to ride a bicycle. Recommended for ages 4-12. Maximum of 25 families.
- Bring your own bike and helmet. Please pre-register here [5]. Limited walk-up spots available.
- Bike Rodeos for kids (grades K-6) to learn skills and techniques for safe cycling on the road. Three 40-minute sessions will be offered, starting at 11 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 1:10 p.m.
- Offered by Cycles of Change [6], experienced bike safety educators will instruct students how to fit a helmet and check whether a bike is safe to ride. Students will then ride through a course on the blacktop that simulates city streets, to practice proper starting and stopping technique, learn hand signaling and the importance of riding safely and predictably.
- Bicycles and helmets are provided or participants can bring their own.
- Please pre-register here for the 11 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. sessions. [7] The 11:50 a.m. session is open to all, with no pre-registration required. Line up near the station 10 to 15 minutes early to secure your spot.
- Family Cycling Workshop, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Fun games, safety drills, skill building, and a neighborhood ride, offered by Bike East Bay [8]. For kids and parents together. Kids must be able to ride a bike and be ready to take to the paths and roadways with their parents. Suggested grade range: second to sixth.
- Please pre-register here [9].
- This class is supported by the City of Alameda with funding from Alameda County’s transportation sales tax. [10]
- Bike Safety Education (“Urban Cycling 101”) for adults and kids 10+ and teens, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- A fun and informative presentation of videos, slides, and discussion on avoiding most common bike crashes in traffic, bike laws, riding comfort, theft prevention and locking information. Offered by Easy Street Cycling [11]. Great for new and experienced vehicle drivers as well. 40 people maximum.
- Please pre-register here [12].
May is Bike Month
Check out the following bike activities and rebates:
- Bike to School Day [13] is Thursday, May 14 this year. It’s a great opportunity for families and students to bike, scoot, or skate to school for the first time. If it’s not your first time, renew your commitment to healthy and safe transportation choices and roll to school together.
- Pledge to ride on Bike to Wherever Day [14], and you’ll be entered to win a bike prize bundle! You’ll also receive a map of Energizer Stations, bike offers, and discounts. Your pledge also helps Bike East Bay count how many neighbors are riding on Bike to Wherever Day!
- Get a rebate from Ava Bike Electric [15], an incentive program that aims to increase access to e-bikes, reduce carbon emissions, and support local businesses. Learn more about how the program works and apply now for an instant rebate of $400 to $1,500 off a new e-bike.