FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2026
Pedal up, Charlottesville!
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone who hasn't touched a bike in years, May is your invitation to saddle up. The City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia have joined forces with local businesses and community groups to bring you Charlottesville Bike Month 2026, a jam-packed, month-long celebration of bicycling, community, and the open road. Tommy Safranek, Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville says, “One of the things that makes Charlottesville Bike Month special is how welcoming it is. These events aren't just for hardcore cyclists. They're for anyone who's ever been curious about getting around by bike. And every person who gets on a bike is a win for our community, for our air quality, our roads, our neighborhoods. Bike Month is our chance to show Charlottesville what's possible when we make space for people to move differently through this city.”
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May is National Bike Month, a tradition established in 1956 and promoted by the League of American Bicyclists in communities from coast to coast. Charlottesville's celebration builds on that national momentum with more than 30 local events spanning rides, safety clinics, family fun, and community gatherings, all designed to meet people where they are and get more folks on bikes.
Why Bike Month matters
Bicycling isn't just good exercise. It's good for the environment, good for local businesses, and good for the soul. Bike Month is a chance for our community to showcase how a few pedal strokes can make Charlottesville a healthier, more connected, and more vibrant place to live. Events are designed for people of all ages and experience levels, from families with young children to daily commuters to weekend adventurers.
Local leaders declare May Bike Month
Charlottesville Bike Month carries the official backing of both local governments. On Monday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m., Charlottesville City Council will formally proclaim May as Bike Month at City Hall — a public recognition of cycling's role in building a healthier, more sustainable community. Two days later, on Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m., the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will follow suit with their own proclamation at the County Office Building. Both ceremonies are open to the public and offer a chance to hear local leaders speak to the value of bicycling in our region. Members of the press are welcome.
Track your rides and have fun
Individuals and teams are encouraged to track their rides through the ConnectingVA app (RideShare) as part of the Bike Month Business Challenge, running all month long. Along the way they can pick up awards and raffle prizes.
The Bike Month BINGO card includes fun bike-related challenges and can be downloaded at bikecville.com. Riders who complete five squares in a row can turn in their cards for a $20 coupon to Blue Ridge Cyclery and an entry into a drawing for other prizes at the May 31 closing party at Random Row Brewing.
Event highlights
Endeavor First Fridays Cruiser Ride — Friday, May 1: The festivities begin in style with a group ride from Endeavor Cycles to the Downtown Mall, arriving just in time for Fridays After Five at Ting Pavilion. Meet at 5:30 p.m., ride rolls at 6 p.m.
Family Bike Day — Sunday, May 3, 1–4 p.m.: McIntire Park comes alive with family-friendly activities at the Skate Park — pump track, skill-building stations, food trucks, a DJ, and a giveaway of 150 Specialized helmets. A perfect first event for younger riders and parents looking to build confidence on two wheels. Free bike safety checks for all bike types and sizes, courtesy of Blue Wheel Bicycles.
E-bike demos: Curious about electric bikes? Try one out. Free demos are scheduled at Hollymead Elementary School (Monday, May 11) from 6:15–8 p.m. and the McIntire Road County Office Building (Tuesday, May 19), from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Free repair clinics: Every Thursday throughout May at 6 p.m., local bike shops will host free repair clinics. Learn basic maintenance, fix a flat, and roll away with more confidence.
Bike to Work Appreciation Stations: Combine your workout with your commute and relieve stress by biking to work – or wherever you need to go. Appreciation stations will be set up at the UVA Hospital on Tuesday, May 5, 7–9 a.m.; at the UVA School of Medicine (Jefferson Park Avenue) on Thursday, May 7, 8–10 a.m.; and on West Main Street on Wednesday, May 13, 7:30–9:30 a.m. Celebrate National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15.
"Pour It Forward" closing party at Random Row — Sunday, May 31, 12–3 p.m.: End the month with a bang. This celebration benefits iCan Shine Adaptive Bike Camp, with $2 from every beer and pizza sold going to the cause. Bring your completed Bike Month BINGO card to redeem a $20 coupon to Blue Ridge Cyclery and enter prize drawings. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The party is preceded by Blue Ridge Cyclery's Sunday Funday Group Road Ride — a beginner/intermediate ride departing at 10 a.m.
A community-wide effort
Charlottesville Bike Month is made possible through a collaboration of local partners: the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, the University of Virginia, local bike shops, the Charlottesville Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), RideShare, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), Endeavor Cycles, Blue Wheel Bicycles, Blue Ridge Cyclery, Random Row Brewing Company, and many more community champions.
All Charlottesville Bike Month events are open to residents of the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, the UVA community, and visitors to the area. Most events are free to attend.
For the complete event calendar, volunteer opportunities, and more information, visit bikecville.com.
Full schedule of events
All month: Bike Month Business Challenge via ConnectingVA app (RideShare)
Every Thursday | 6 p.m.: Free bike repair clinics at local bike shops
Every Friday in May | 6 a.m.: Ride Prolyfyck, Jefferson School — African American Heritage Center
Fri, Apr. 24 | 5–9 p.m.: Tom Tom Festival Bike Valet, downtown
Fri, May 1 | meet 5:30 p.m., ride 6 p.m.: Kickoff ride, Endeavor Cycles to Downtown Mall, Ting Pavilion
Every Friday in May | 5–9 p.m.: Bike valet and info table, Fridays After 5
Every Saturday in May | 9 a.m.: Group rides from City Market, weekly community rides
Sun, May 3 | 1–4 p.m.: Family Bike Day, McIntire Park (Skate Park) — pump track, skill-building activities, food trucks, DJ and helmet giveaway
Mon, May 4 | 6:30 p.m.: City Council proclamation, City Hall
Tue, May 5 | 7–9 a.m.: UVA bike appreciation station, Main Hospital
Wed, May 6 | 1 p.m.: Albemarle County proclamation, County Office Building
Wed, May 6 | all day: Bike, Walk and Roll to School Day, social media celebration
Thu, May 7 | 8–10 a.m.: UVA bike appreciation station, Pinn Hall bike racks along JPA
Thu, May 7 | 5–6:30 p.m.: BPAC meeting, City Hall
Sat, May 9 | 2:30–9 p.m.: Riverfest, Rivanna River Company
Sun, May 10 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: CBC special ride and coffee social, special edition ride and social
Mon, May 11 | 6:15–8 p.m.: E-bike demo, Hollymead Elementary School
Wed, May 13 | 7:30–9:30 a.m.: Bike to Work Day appreciation station on Main Street
Wed, May 13 | 5:30–7 p.m.: Green Drinks, FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room
Fri, May 15 | 9:30–11 a.m.: Climate Cafe, Botanical Fare
Sat, May 16 | 12 p.m.: CBC safety and skills class, special Bike Month edition
Tue, May 19 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.: E-bike demo, McIntire Road County Office Building
Sun, May 31 | meet 9:45 a.m., ride at 10 a.m.: Sunday Funday Group Road Ride, beginner/intermediate group road ride to and from Random Row Brewing
