By Henry Dunbar, Executive Director of Phoenix Bikes
Arlington prides itself on being one for the more bike friendly communities in the East, and with May being National Bike Month (the weather will change, I promise), there will be ample opportunities for cycling enthusiasts to get their (human) motors running and get out on the pathways in and around Arlington. Traffic confrontations aside, there is little downside to riding your bike. Well documented benefits include better health, increased productivity, lower stress, reduced carbon emissions, and better connections to other people and communities, just to name a few.
Many of the events are coordinated by nonprofits and are eager for corporate sponsors. Please follow the links to see how your business might support these events and organizations.
Bike to School Day, Wednesday, May 7
Coordinated nationally by the Partnership for a Walkable America, students are encouraged to ride or walk to school, while parents and other adults serve as ride leaders and guides. Arlington events are coordinated by Safe Routes to Schools coordinator Kyle Lukcas. Virtually every public school in Arlington is encouraging students to bike (or walk) to school this day. See here for individual listings and contact information.
CycloFemme, Sunday, May 11
According to their website, “CycloFemme is a Global Women's Cycling Day created to honor the past and the emancipation of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants.” Their goal for this year is 500 rides, in 50 countries, and all 50 states. Posted area rides include some in D.C. and Vienna, though others are likely to form.
Bike to Work Week and Day, Mon-Fri, May 12-16
Coordinated by the Washington Area Bicycle Association and Commuter Connections, events are planned all week throughout the D.C. Metro area. The Crystal City BID will host daily pit stops in the Crystal City Water Park from 7-9am. The biggest day will be Friday, May 16, Bike to Work Day, when there will be more than 70 pit stops—which will have food, water, and prizes—across the region including 6 in Arlington (Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Columbia Pike, and East Falls Church [AM and PM]). The event website includes information for employers, free registration, and sponsorship opportunities.
Crystal City Phoenix Derby, Saturday, May 17, 2-6pm
This unique cycling event that combines speed and high-energy fun in a cool urban environment while showcasing the D.C. region’s premier youth-oriented bike nonprofit organization, Phoenix Bikes. Riders of all abilities can test their skills on an underground parking garage course. The Crystal City Phoenix Derby features a variety of race formats including a non-competitive open course ride, a head-to-head stationary sprint race, team relays, and a special kid’s course. The general public is also invited to try out the course or just watch the action from the chic confines of the Phoenix Lounge, a display area of bikes build by Phoenix Bikes youth and bar built in the center of the action. Riders, volunteers, and sponsors are still signing on.
Arlington prides itself on being one for the more bike friendly communities in the East, and with May being National Bike Month (the weather will change, I promise), there will be ample opportunities for cycling enthusiasts to get their (human) motors running and get out on the pathways in and around Arlington. Traffic confrontations aside, there is little downside to riding your bike. Well documented benefits include better health, increased productivity, lower stress, reduced carbon emissions, and better connections to other people and communities, just to name a few.
Many of the events are coordinated by nonprofits and are eager for corporate sponsors. Please follow the links to see how your business might support these events and organizations.
Bike to School Day, Wednesday, May 7
Coordinated nationally by the Partnership for a Walkable America, students are encouraged to ride or walk to school, while parents and other adults serve as ride leaders and guides. Arlington events are coordinated by Safe Routes to Schools coordinator Kyle Lukcas. Virtually every public school in Arlington is encouraging students to bike (or walk) to school this day. See here for individual listings and contact information.
CycloFemme, Sunday, May 11
According to their website, “CycloFemme is a Global Women's Cycling Day created to honor the past and the emancipation of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants.” Their goal for this year is 500 rides, in 50 countries, and all 50 states. Posted area rides include some in D.C. and Vienna, though others are likely to form.
Bike to Work Week and Day, Mon-Fri, May 12-16
Coordinated by the Washington Area Bicycle Association and Commuter Connections, events are planned all week throughout the D.C. Metro area. The Crystal City BID will host daily pit stops in the Crystal City Water Park from 7-9am. The biggest day will be Friday, May 16, Bike to Work Day, when there will be more than 70 pit stops—which will have food, water, and prizes—across the region including 6 in Arlington (Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Columbia Pike, and East Falls Church [AM and PM]). The event website includes information for employers, free registration, and sponsorship opportunities.
Crystal City Phoenix Derby, Saturday, May 17, 2-6pm
This unique cycling event that combines speed and high-energy fun in a cool urban environment while showcasing the D.C. region’s premier youth-oriented bike nonprofit organization, Phoenix Bikes. Riders of all abilities can test their skills on an underground parking garage course. The Crystal City Phoenix Derby features a variety of race formats including a non-competitive open course ride, a head-to-head stationary sprint race, team relays, and a special kid’s course. The general public is also invited to try out the course or just watch the action from the chic confines of the Phoenix Lounge, a display area of bikes build by Phoenix Bikes youth and bar built in the center of the action. Riders, volunteers, and sponsors are still signing on.
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