Long Beach is gearing up to celebrate National Bike Month.<\/p>\n
Residents are invited to join local community groups and neighborhoods nationwide in recognizing bicycling as a fun, healthy and sustainable mode of transportation, city officials said. The events throughout the month will highlight safe riding and offer different ways to bike around the city.<\/p>\n
Long Beach continues to plan and promote active transportation through infrastructure projects, programs and events, according to the city\u2019s website. The city is working to expand its network of bikeways from more than 150 miles to 300 miles by 2040.<\/p>\n
Long Beach, a news release said, is committed to making bicycling a fun, convenient and everyday way to explore the city \u2013 from scenic rides along the San Gabriel River trail to quick trips using the city\u2019s Bike Share program.<\/p>\n
\u201cNational Bike Month is a great opportunity for residents to get outdoors, stay active and explore all that Long Beach has to offer,\u201d Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. \u201cLong Beach continues to expand a network of bike-friendly streets that make it easier and safer for people of all ages to get around. I encourage our community to take part in events throughout May and experience how bicycling supports a healthier, more connected city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, all residents are encouraged to attend Long Beach\u2019s National Bike Month events, city officials said.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the bike-friendly events happening throughout May:<\/p>\n
Moonlight Mash: Join Pedal Movement at 223 E. First St. at 8 p.m. Friday, May 1, and May 30 for a 9-mile social bike ride through Long Beach, ending with a beach hangout.
\nRecycle Your Bicycle: At 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, the Energy & Environmental Services Department will host drop-offs for gently used, non-motorized bicycles at four local parks across the city. Only non-electric models will be accepted.
\nPedal to the Metal May Ride: Starting at ISM Brewing, at the Promenade North and Third Street, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Moonlight Mash and ISM Brewing are teaming up for a social bike ride through Long Beach\u2019s iconic spots all while listening to metal music.
\nNational Bike to Work Week Pop-Up: Join Walk and Roll and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance on a morning bike commute during Bike to Work Week for free bike safety gear and light refreshments at Harvey Milk Promenade from 8 to 9:30 a.m. May 15.
\nMacArthur Park Community Bike Ride: A 4-mile community bike ride past four Long Beach parks, designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, will begin at MacArthur Park at 10 a.m. May 16.
\nKidical Mass: Beginning at Pixie Toys, 3914 Atlantic Ave., at 11 a.m. May 17, there will be a family-friendly bike ride through the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, covering 4 to 4.5 miles, and welcoming riders of all ages and skill levels.
\nE-bike Demo Day: For those interested in e-bikes, a family-friendly event at the La Verne parking lot, 5200 E. Ocean Blvd., will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 30, providing an opportunity to test ride e-bikes and more.<\/p>\n