Spinning your wheels can amount to something this month, as the City of Raleigh celebrates National Bike Month. Bike Raleigh, a collaboration between the city, an advisory commission, and the Office of Transporatation Planning, promotes wheel savvy all year long, from implementing commuter bike lanes to working with local cycle groups to host recreational rides. Efforts double down in May in honor of the annual Bike Month initiative led by the League of American Bicyclists. Here’s your extra excuse to hop on two wheels and cruise the greenways. There are bike-friendly maps at bikeraleigh.org, and a few specific events are listed below. –Jessie Ammons Rumbley

 

OAKS AND SPOKES FESTIVAL

Local bicycling nonprofit Oaks and Spokes got its start as a festival. This annual event offers many options for every level of cycle ability and interest:

May 4

Bike Repair-o-Q-o-Rama

May 5

Marbles Kids Museum bike rodeo

May 6

7 murals + 7 stories ride

Kidical Mass ride

Frankenbike parts swap

May 9

BikeRaleigh pep rally

Light Up the Night ride

May 11

Bike-in movie

May 12

4th Annual Raleigh Cat ride

May 13

Cyclofemme ride and tea party

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

May 9

Raleigh schools are working together to support this nationally celebrated event. Learn more at walkbiketoschool.org

CAPITAL CITY BIKE RIDE

May 11

The official kick-off to Bike Raleigh’s Bike Month invites the community to join city staff, elected officials, and local cycle leaders for a morning ride through downtown Raleigh. This year’s highlights include Raleigh Union Station and Dix Park. Post-ride, you’ll get a private tour of Union Station. Be sure to register in advance online.

RIDE OF SILENCE

May 16

Spread awareness through this ride honoring those who have been injured or killed while biking on public roads.

BIKE TO WORK DAY

May 18

Another local iteration of a national event: There’s a handy toolkit of tips, as well as recommended pit stops, on Bike Raleigh’s website.

MUD DAY

May 19

Bike to and through Walnut Creek Wet land Center for a few nature-oriented (and dirty) activities.

RALEIGH HISTORY TOUR

May 26

Bike and learn through some of downtown’s historic districts.