The Bicycle Coalition of Maine stays busy with events all year round to connect with as many pedestrians and people on bikes as possible in a variety of ways. We seek to educate adults and children about bike/ped safety through presentations and courses, host interactive demonstrations that advocate for improvements to bike/ped infrastructure, provide valet bike parking at local events, and organize gatherings and group rides to raise awareness and enthusiasm about our mission.
The event calendar below lists our upcoming events and those hosted by our partners and supporters. Check it out, and join us as we strive to make Maine better for biking and walking!
Wednesday Webinars
7,222 Miles from Maine – Bicycling in Tanzania
Come along on a virtual voyage to Tanzania as we discuss the importance of the bicycle to Tanzanians with special guest Cary Huggins. We’ll discuss everyday use, community bicycle centers, bike safety, and bicycle tourism in the nation of 58 million residents…and what Mainers can learn from this culture!
Riders, Riders, Everywhere—But Not a Bike to Buy – Buying & Selling Used Bikes in a Pandemic
Have you been fruitlessly searching for a used bicycle during the ongoing pandemic's "Bike Boom"? Do you have a bike that you'd like to sell to get it into the hands of someone who really needs it? If you fit either of these categories (or are just looking to get enlightened), then this is the webinar for you. Special guest Fred Thomas of Frame & Wheel lends his expertise for this informative webinar.
Stretching + Strength-Training Tips to Maximize Your Rides, Reps, and Recovery
Whether you’re breaking into a new active lifestyle, recovering from illness or injury, or are a seasoned cyclist getting ready for the riding season, you won’t want to miss this webinar! The experts at Anytime Fitness will be joining us to explore some essential stretching routines to help you get ready to ride (or walk, or hike, or lift!). We will also discuss strength-training exercises, hydration tips, and post-workout stretching and foam-rolling techniques to help you achieve more, avoid injury, wind down, and recover better.
Almost Every Crash Report You Read is Wrong—and Why that Matters
Nearly every article you read about car crashes involving cyclists or pedestrians contains biased, victim-blaming language. Although journalism is supposed to be objective and accurate, we will present a report that shows most crash reports are neither—whether they come from local, state, or national outlets. We will also discuss the real-life consequences and legal repercussions of crash language, and compare good and bad crash reporting with actual examples.
Improve Your Rides with a Handy Guide to Upper Extremity Ailments
Special guest Emily Odermann (occupational therapist & certified hand therapist) lends us a hand to discuss common arm and hand injuries related to cycling. This will include a review of basic anatomy, causes of pain and tingling in the arm and hand, and the most common traumatic injuries from cycling accidents. Emily will arm you with strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery, and show you the reasons why your legs shouldn’t get all the attention!
Everything You Need to Know About E-Bikes
Electric-assist bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bicycle industry. People are using them both on and off roads to commute, to exercise, and to have fun! Whether you want to go faster, give your body a boost, or just travel more confidently in traffic, special guest Steve Gerhartz of Seacoast E-Bikes is here to answer all your questions. He’ll be discussing the types of electric bicycles available, how they can enhance one's riding experience, e-bike laws, proper etiquette, and advice for maintenance.
This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land – Exploring Maine’s Privately Owned Forests by Bike
94% of Maine's forest land is privately owned, and more than half of that land is open to the public. This access is an incredible gift, and in order to preserve it, everyone who ventures outdoors needs to understand the contribution that landowners make. Join the BCM and the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to discuss adventure bicycling across Maine’s beautiful private lands.
Giving the Gift of Biking: A Conversation with the Portland Wheelers
The Portland Wheelers know all about the simple pleasures and sheer joy bicycles can provide—and they want to share that gift with folks who cannot ride a bike by themselves but still want to go for a spin. Using adaptive tricycles, the Portland Wheelers help folks get outdoors to feel the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair as they connect with their community on a sweet set of wheels. Not only do these rides provide a chance for recreation, but therapeutic riding can help break down isolation, lift spirits, and improve quality of life.
Wednesday Webinar- Winter Biking
Embrace the cold, dark, Maine winter with gusto! We’ll cover it all in this webinar: winter commuting & recreating, equipment selection & maintenance, hot clothing trends, and how to keep the fun mojo rolling strong. Also bike-storage best practices. Also also, indoor riding, like how to get yer Zwift on!
Wednesday Webinar- w/ special guest Georgena Terry
Polio survivor, American bicycle designer, and businesswoman, Georgena Terry blazed her own trail in the 1980s and began the world’s first women-specific bicycle company. Please join us for a chat with this remarkable person and staple of bicycling history.
DEI Statement:
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is committed to advancing our equity and inclusion efforts. The Coalition is prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in these focus areas: self-education, community engagement, advocacy, and events. We welcome community members and visitors of Maine—Wabanaki Territory—from all backgrounds to join the Coalition. Our most outstanding achievement will be that everyone who joins the Coalition or attends our events will feel respected and valued.