Stay Saddled Up for Bike Month 2024

By Hannah Weinberger

Few inventions have the staying power of the bicycle. The basic design hasn't changed much since it took on the shape we know and love more than 100 years ago. From improving our health to reducing our fuel use, bikes come with seemingly endless benefits – and they’re fun to use.

We are passionate about making bicycling more comfortable and accessible, and helping more people use bikes confidently. One of the ways we can do that is by improving cyclists’ safety for their entire trip. We do this with grant programs like Safe Routes to School, the Pedestrian/Bicyclist Program, the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program, our Statewide School-Based Bicycle Education Program and much more.

Cyclists spinning among the wildflowers near Gardiner on the Olympic Discovery Trail,
May 2021. (Briana Weisgerber/WSDOT)

Gov. Jay Inslee officially designated May as Bike Month. People around the state are celebrating the humble bicycle by riding every chance they get. You can see a list below of some of this month’s events to celebrate our favorite two-wheeled vehicle. Many of us also ride all year and we’ve been reflecting on how we motivate ourselves. We want to keep commuting, exercising and riding just for the whimsy of it. We hope some of these tips inspire you to dig in on a long day in the saddle or even try commuting by bike for the first time. (We would love to see tips of your own in the comments!)

The head start I got by riding every single day during April for the 30 Days of Biking challenge gives me a boost into May for #BikeEverywhere. I enjoy tallying up rides taken for different reasons and to different destinations, like my ride May 2 to my hairdresser. Businesses participating in the Intercity Transit Bicycle Commuter Challenge in Thurston County are offering perks like treats for people who arrive by bike and that doesn't hurt either! – Barb Chamberlain, ATD Director

I like to look ahead at how I can replace different kinds of trips (commute, errands, recreation), or chain them together, with bicycling. And then there are the social opportunities of group rides or events as we celebrate the bicycle and cycling - so much fun and camaraderie that keep me coming back for more. – Chris Hawkins, Transportation Planning Specialist

I don't own a car – it's a choice I make because the mental and financial costs to driving aren't something I want in my life. But choosing biking over walking and busing sometimes happens because the bus schedule doesn't fit where I want to go, and sometimes proactively, reminding myself how much fun it is to zoom around and be outside. There are always small goofy joys seen while on a bike. – Ursula Sandstrom, Complete Streets Statewide Planner

How do I keep riding? I never stop. So, I am riding in January, Feb, March . . . riding is such a habit that even when I don't feel like it, I end up doing it anyway. And any lack of motivation disappears with the first pedal stroke! I don't add any requirements to ride more in May than in the prior months. I already ride enough, and if I can fit more rides in then I will do so (in May, or June, or any other month). – Brian Wood, State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator

Whenever I don’t feel the oomph to saddle up for a commute, I think about all of the dogs I’ve pet, farm animals I’ve passed (even in Seattle – shoutout to the Burke-Gilman leashed goats), street art I’ve seen, and life-affirming interactions I’ve had by bike whenever I ride around Puget Sound. Keeping my mindset focused on the joy of discovery and time spent with friends reminds me that every ride comes with a hint of wonder, even if I’ve ridden a route dozens of times. -- Hannah Weinberger, Communication Lead

Here are a few major events happening in May that can help you get on your bike.

May 17: Bike to Work Day

Look forward to the workday by building riding into it!  Many Washington communities allow for bikes on trains, light rail or even buses, and the micromobility boom means some cities have rentable bikeshare for quick transit connections.

On the west side of the state, dozens of communities are hosting Celebration Stations to work into your commute as far north as Bellingham and south as Puyallup. On the east side, cyclists can ride with elected leaders and hit up ‘energizer stations’ for free treats.

Seattle

May 22: Bike Month Send Off

Seattle-based cyclists will find free food, bike accessories and even an on-site bike mechanic available at South Lake Union Park courtesy of Commute Seattle and the Seattle Department of Transportation.

Spokane

May 22: Kendall Yards Night Market and Neighborhood Bike Ride

Boost the local economy before a loop on the Centennial Trail and South Gorge Trail.

Tacoma

May 30: Fiddy Ride
Second Cycle is kicking off a summer of free group rides with a 50-miler exploring Tacoma.

Ellensburg

May 18: Family Ride

Gather for an accessible 5.38-mile family morning bike ride along the PTC Reconnection Trail.

And make sure to also check out offerings from Snohomish County, Sequim, and beyond, and let us know about Bike Month events that you’ve enjoyed!

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a ceremonial proclamation designation May 2024 as Bike Month.