In honor of UN Global Road Safety Week (GRSW), the BCM is planning a full slate of FREE events ranging from urban riding classes and kids bike rodeos to bike mechanic workshops and a memorial slow ride.
GRSW will take place from May 15-21, and we’ll be observing it all week long, all across the state! Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Fix-A-Bike Workshop (May 15)
Curious about bicycle mechanics? Looking to maintain your faithful steed or conduct long overdue TLC? Want to perform a roadside repair and keep that bicycle mojo elevated?
Join our Fix-A-Bike Workshops on Sunday, May 15 at Maine Beer Company! We have TWO sessions scheduled: 12 – 2 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m.
These FREE two-hour session will cover routine maintenance, roadside repairs, and how to perform a basic tuneup, as well as answering any other bicycle-related questions you might have.
Please bring your bike along! Tools and instruction will be provided. Registration is required. Click the links above to register.
Kids Bike Rodeos (May 15 + May 21)
Here’s some FREE outdoor fun for your little ones!
Designed to teach and encourage kids to ride bikes safely, rodeos include a helmet check, a bike mechanical check, and the opportunity to ride in a closed traffic skills course that teaches the rules of the road.
We currently have rodeos scheduled on Sunday, May 15 in Augusta and on Saturday, May 21 in both Lincoln and Naples. Click on the links for more info!
Webinar: We’re Bringing Safety Back – Spring Biking (May 16)
We’re bringing safety back! (Yeah.)
As spring comes into full swing, so does the riding season! Come join the BCM crew for a webinar on Monday, May 16 at 12 p.m. as we go over safety tips, riding etiquette, and other essentials needed to get your year of biking off to a great start.
Registration is required but FREE—sign up here!
Urban Riding Classes (May 17 + May 19)
Join one of the BCM’s nationally-certified bicycle instructors for some tips and answers to questions about riding in traffic. Review when and how to “take the lane,” how to safely make left turns on busy streets, how to avoid being “right-hooked” by drivers, how to equip your bike, what to wear, and more! Content will be adjusted to fit the group’s needs.
Bring your bike and helmet (required), and come prepared for fun, safety, and learning!
We have FREE Urban Riding Classes scheduled on Tuesday, May 17 in Portland & Lewiston, as well as Thursday, May 19 in Portland & Orono. Spots are limited—click this link to sign up!
International Ride of Silence (May 18)
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent, slow-paced ride to commemorate those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
The BCM has been the state coordinator for the Ride of Silence since 2020, and each year we work with groups and individuals across the state to encourage greater ridership, while also holding our own ride in Portland.
Want to join our FREE Portland ride on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m.? Interested in other Ride of Silence events across the state? Want to plan your own ride? Visit this page to find out more and register.
Community Spokes Trainings (May 18 + May 19)
The Community Spokes Program is the BCM’s statewide network of bicycle and pedestrian advocates at the local level.
Through training, education, and ongoing technical support, you can become part of a growing coalition of people working to improve biking and walking conditions in Maine!
This FREE two-session training will teach you how to assess existing bike/ped infrastructure, navigate local bureaucracy, and connect with like-minded individuals. Sign up here!
Bike to Work Day (May 20)
This year’s Bike to Work Day might be the biggest one yet!
The Portland Public Library; Friends of Congress Square Park; Portland Gear Hub; Portland Bike Party; City of Portland Maine Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department; Portland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; CyclingSavvy; and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine are all teaming up to throw one big celebration in Congress Square Park on Friday, May 20 from 8 – 10 a.m.
We’ll have FREE coffee, donuts, and bagels (while supplies last!) generously donated by Tandem Coffee Roasters, HiFi Donuts, and Rose Foods, as well as bike mechanic demos, safe-cycling tips, safety gear giveaways, music to get your day started on the right note, and more!
Mark your calendar, get your ride ready, and meet us in Congress Square Park to celebrate biking to work on a holiday meant just for that!
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We’ve added these events to our calendar, and have more details on the way, so stay tuned!
We look forward to celebrating the start of a safe bike riding season with you!
