We are celebrating National Bike Month and Kansas Bike Month during the month of May 2024.

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try. 

Save these dates for Kansas Bike Month 2024:

There are lots of ways to participate in National Bike Month and Kansas Bike Month, locally, regionally, and nationally. Here are some dates in May to celebrate.

May
5		National Ride a Bike Day. More people riding bikes is a simple solution to reducing carbon emissions from transportation. Start by thinking of one car trip you can replace with a bike trip on National Ride a Bike Day! Share on social media with #BikeDay
May 8National Bike & Roll to School Day. The 13th annual National Bike & Roll to School Day is May 8, 2024. Whether addressing the need to make routes to school safer for active trips or encouraging children to be more active, these events can be powerful tools to inspire lasting change. Of course, they are also fun! Check out events in Kansas here: https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
May 17National Bike to Work Day. 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get around. This day aims to incentivize us to switch our regular commute with bikes, and we’re very thankful for it! Another key element to this celebration is the emphasis on safety awareness for cyclists and other commuters.

Local Events for Kansas Bike Month 2024:

Check out these local events happening across the state during Kansas Bike Month. Email us at info@ksrides.org if you hear of more to add to this list!

Across KansasWalk, Bike & Roll to School. Schools across the state are hosting Bike & Roll to School events. You can find the complete list at https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
AuroraAurora Bike Rodeo. Bring your bikes and scooters and be ready to ride on Saturday, May 18th, 8:30 a.m. on Main Street. Bike helmets available while supplies last. Free bike drawing, prizes, and games. Register in person or call Katie at 785.243.8140.
BellevilleFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
BeloitFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
CoffeyvilleFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
ConcordiaFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
ConcordiaConcordia Bike Rodeo. Bring your bikes and scooters and be ready to ride on Saturday, May 4th, 8:30 a.m. at the Concordia Broadway Plaza. Bike helmets available while supplies last. Free bike drawing, prizes, and games. Register in person or call Katie at 785.243.8140.
Council GroveCottonwood 200. The Cottonwood 200 got its name in 1976 when a hearty group of cyclists from the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club were searching for a way to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday. Looking at their maps, they realized a round trip from Topeka to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas is 200 miles, and covers some of the best cycling in the state. The ride is held every May on Memorial Day weekend and is in its 48th year. Many options for cyclists of all levels. Happens May 25-27, 2004. Find out more here: https://cottonwood200.org/
EllsworthFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
EllsworthBike to Work Day Challenge. Anyone in Ellsworth County that bikes to work on May 17th and tags Grow Ellsworth County will be entered to win a local prize package. Hosted by Grow Ellsworth County and the Midway District of K-State Research and Extension.
EmporiaFlint Hills Ultra Tour. The Tour is just a date for all to gather and ride the Flint Hills Ultra route at the same time.  I strongly say again it’s just a common day people choose to gather and ride.  There is no official event.  Riders will ride for the fastest time.  Riders will ride to escape the day to day life.  Riders will ride for the pure enjoyment of a pedal on the backroads of the Flint Hills.  Just ride Saturday, May 25, 2024. More info: https://flinthillsultra.com/
GlascoGlasco Bike Rodeo. Bring your bikes and scooters and be ready to ride on Saturday, May 11th, 8:30 a.m. at 206 E. Main. Bike helmets available while supplies last. Free bike drawing, prizes, and games. Register in person or call Katie at 785.243.8140.
GoddardOz Wicked Wind 100K. This family-friendly event happens on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Goddard. Find out more: https://www.bikereg.com/wickedwind24
LincolnFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
LindsborgFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
ManhattanBicycle Swap. The 7th Annual Manhattan Bike Swap is happening Sunday, April 28, from 1 – 3 PM, at the Wefald Pavilion in City Park in Manhattan. Find out more: https://www.mhkprd.com/524/Bike-Swap
MankatoFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
MinneapolisFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
NewtonChisholm Trail Bike Ride. The family-friendly event happens on May 4, 2024. The Chisholm Trail Bike ride supports a joint venture of Air Capital AMBUCS, the Healthy Harvey Coalition and Walk & Roll Harvey. Proceeds from the ride help supply therapeutic trikes for kids and adults and cycling safety equipment for kids, and supports cycling safety education. Register online at https://chisholmtrailbikeride.com/may-ride/
OttawaSpring Roll Beginner Bikepacking Overnight. Join All Bodies On Bikes Kansas City and Ottawa Bike & Trail for the Spring Roll, a beginner-focused no-drop bikepacking event where everybody belongs! May 18-19, 2024. More info: https://www.allbodiesonbikes.com/events/the-spring-roll-with-all-bodies-on-bikes-kansas-city
PittsburgCoal Miner’s Century. The fastest and flattest gravel ride in the four-state area happens on May 4, 2024. https://www.runningcollectiveks.com/coalminerscentury
RussellWicked Wilson Gravel Bike Race. The Wicked Wilson has everything you expect out of a Kansas gravel race! From rolling fast on pristine gravel one minute to navigating low-maintenance B-roads the next, the hilly, beautiful course will keep racers entertained every mile. May 25, 2024. More info: https://playfulstoic.life/wicked-wilson
SabethaMetric Century. This bike ride is 63.2ish miles on May 4th in Sabetha. Register online at https://www.bikereg.com/mec24
SalinaFree Rides on KANcycle. Users will be able to use 31 free rides during the month of May on the KANcycle program with a special promo code. www.kancycle.org
SalinaBike Month Proclamation. May will be proclaimed Bike Month in Salina at the City Commission Meeting on April 22nd.
SalinaAmtryke Giveaways. The Salina Noon Networks Ambucs club will provide ten Amtrykes to qualified individuals during the month of May. Amtrykes are adaptive tricycles for people who are unable to operate a standard bicycle.
SalinaBikes Book Display. The Salina Public Library will display a variety of biking books for Kansas Bike Month in the Youth Services Department from May 6 – May 17, 2024.
SalinaBike Ride. Join us for a casual ride through Salina. This is a low-pressure ride for enjoyment and exercise. For older kids and adults. Wear a helmet and have your bike in good working order. Meet at Ad Astra Books & Coffee at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
SalinaBike Ride. Join us for a casual ride through Salina. This is a low-pressure ride for enjoyment and exercise. For older kids and adults. Wear a helmet and have your bike in good working order. Meet at Ad Astra Books & Coffee at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
SalinaBike Ride. Join us for a casual ride through Salina. This is a low-pressure ride for enjoyment and exercise. For older kids and adults. Wear a helmet and have your bike in good working order. Meet at Ad Astra Books & Coffee at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
SalinaLibrary Kick-off Event. OCCK Transportation and KANcycle bikes will have a display at the Salina Public Library’s Summer Kick-off Party on May 24, 2024.
SalinaBike Ride. Join us for a casual ride through Salina. This is a low-pressure ride for enjoyment and exercise. For older kids and adults. Wear a helmet and have your bike in good working order. Meet at Ad Astra Books & Coffee at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
TopekaRandolph Bike Train. Ride your bike to school with other kids on Friday, May 17th. Pick up the Bike Train in Central Park, Bowell Park, or Collins Park to head to school. The reverse order on the way home. A program of the Topeka Community Cycle Project.
TopekaTour Topeka. More details coming soon for this event on May 11th.
WichitaSedgwick County Bike Month Proclamation. Sedgwick County will be proclaiming May as Bike Month on May 1, 2024! A recording of the event can be found on Sedgwick County’s Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SedgwickCountyKS. Check out all the events happening here: https://www.bikemonthict.org/
WichitaBike to Happy Hour – Hopping Gnome. New to Bike Month! This year, the Bike Month ICT team would like to get cyclists to bike WHEREVER!  So, in the vein of biking to work, why not bike to Happy Hour afterwards on Friday, May 3?? The Hopping Gnome is at 1719 E. Victor in Wichita.
WichitaCity of Wichita Bike Month Proclamation. Watch the mayor proclaim May as Bike Month on May 7, 2024! You are invited to attend the event in person. Check out all the events happening here: https://www.bikemonthict.org/
WichitaBike to Happy Hour – Good Company. New to Bike Month! This year, the Bike Month ICT team would like to get cyclists to bike WHEREVER!  So, in the vein of biking to work, why not bike to Happy Hour afterwards on Friday, May 10?? Good Company is at 2721 E. Central in Wichita.
WichitaBike to Work Challenge. Have you ever thought it would be cool to challenge friends or other employers to see who is the most dedicated to biking to work??  Well, probably not, but here’s your chance anyway!  The time has come once again to find out which group is the most bike-loving-est!! Take part in the Bike to Work Week May 13 – 17 and attend the Bike to Work Day Lunch on May 17. Find out more here: https://www.bikemonthict.org/event-wp/bike-to-work-challenge/
WichitaBike to Work Day & Lunch. This year we’re hoping to get more people than ever biking through the month of May and particularly May 17th, internationally recognized as Bike to Work Day! Ride on down to Bike Walk Wichita at 325 St. Francis in Wichita for the Bike 2 Lunch on May 17th for a bite and watch the presentation of the coveted Golden Pedal Award.
WichitaBike to Happy Hour – Central Standard Brewing. New to Bike Month! This year, the Bike Month ICT team would like to get cyclists to bike WHEREVER!  So, in the vein of biking to work, why not bike to Happy Hour afterwards on Friday, May 17?? Central Standard Brewing is at 156 Greenwood in Wichita.
WichitaTour de Wichita. Take part in an urban ride and walk in Wichita on Sunday, April 28th. Tour de Wichita is the only urban ride and walk highlighting Wichita’s attractions, neighborhoods, paths, art, and architecture!  Find out more online at https://tourdewichita.org/
WichitaOpen Streets ICT – Nomar. A FREE neighborhood community-building event on May 5th along 21st Street for a day of biking, fun physical activities, music, dancing, and much more! We will be closing one mile of 21st Street to traffic from NoMar Market at Broadway Avenue to Woodland Park, and open the street for biking, walking, running, live music and dancing, entertainment, food, art, yoga, and more. Cruise along the one mile stretch and stop at our activity hubs, participating businesses, food, and street vendors.
WichitaWichita Adaptive Sports – Kansas Adaptive Cycling Omnium 2024. Happens in Wichita on May 31 – June 2nd, 2024. More info: https://www.bikereg.com/wichita-ks-adaptive-cycling-omnium2024
WinfieldElrod’s Cirque. Elrod’s Cirque is a self-supported gravel course through the Flint Hills in south central Kansas. Riders will begin in beautiful downtown Winfield before enjoying backcountry gravel roads throughout the southern Flint Hills. This event happens on Saturday, May 11th, 2024. More details: https://www.boneshakerrides.com/

Challenges:

You can always participate in a biking challenge during the month of May. Here are a few we found:

1Love to Ride Bike Month Challenge. This May is all about riding as a Team! Gather your friends, family, neighbors or co-workers to form a team of up to 10 riders and ride your way to the top of the leaderboards. There’s fun to be had and loads of prizes to be won!  Bike Month isn’t about riding the furthest or the most often, it’s about riding when you can, encouraging others and spreading the joys of bike riding far and wide. Learn more here: https://www.lovetoride.net/usa

Resources:

Need more information about biking in Kansas? Check out these resources.

Past Events for Kansas Bike Month:

Click here to check out local events that happened across the state in 2023.

Click here to check out the local events that happened across the state in 2022.