Centre Region Events Planned to Celebrate National Bike Month

As a Bronze-level Bike Friendly Community designated by the League of American Cyclists, the Centre Region has plenty of great biking opportunities year round. But next month will provide special opportunities for avid cyclists and those looking to get out on the paths and trails a little more.

CentreBike, the Centre Region’s coalition of bicyclists, is teaming up with other local organizations for numerous events and activities around the area to celebrate National Bike Month in May.

The celebration starts on Friday, April 29 with Bike Month Kick-Off and a chance to ‘Ask A Cyclist.’ Volunteers will be at Allen Street Gates from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions, offer maps and resources and to celebrate May Bike Month. 

From 8- 9:30 a.m. every Friday in May, locations around State College will offer free coffee or breakfast to bike commuters in an effort to encourage more community members to try riding their bikes to work. May 6 will be at the Old Main Steps, May 13 at Freeze Thaw Cycles (109 S. Allen St.), May 20 at The Bicycle Shop (441 W. College Ave.), and May 27 is to be determined.

Nittany Mountain Biking Association will host a Beginner Mountain Bike Ride at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in May. All experience levels are welcome for an easier ride starting at Galbraith Gap Parking Lot at Rothrock State Forest (beyond Tussey Mountain parking lot, on the left). 

A public forum on building a bike-friendly community will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 17 in the community room of the State College Borough Building. Details will be presented on how the Regional Bike Plan is being implemented, and as well as an update on the local Bike Friendly Community status.

The Family Ride Around Town will take place on Saturday, May 21, with location and time to be determined. A kid- and family-friendly ride, it will travel about five to seven miles on shared paths through State College. Check centrebike.org for updates.

For those interested in trying out a longer distance group ride, a Beginner Road Ride will take place at 6 p.m. on May 26. Anyone interested in the ride can join State College Cycling at Haymarket Park for a “Slow and Easy” 10-15 mile ride. Contact statecollegecycling-owner@yahoogroups.com with questions.

All month long, anyone who rides a bike can track their miles on the National Bike Challenge.  Thousands  nationwide participate and prizes are awarded. Last year, Centre Region took 14th in the nation.