April is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful spring weather on two wheels. This month is Valley Bike Month, and whether you are a regular bike commuter or just an occasional rider, there are several events and specials that cyclists can take advantage of.
Valley bike riders are invited to join the 13th-annual Phoenix/Maricopa Bike to Work Day, 7-9 a.m. Wednesday, April 18. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Join Phoenix City Council and Maricopa County officials, as well as other dignitaries at Park Central Mall, 3100 N. Central Ave., for a police escorted 3-mile ride to CityScape, 1 E. Washington St.
In December, 28 local artists submitted their portfolios to the Pedal to the Metal: PHX Bike Rack Project, an urban arts initiative spearheaded by Downtown Phoenix Inc., Artlink, the City of Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department and Office of Arts and Culture. From that initial call to artists, two designers were chosen to move on to the project’s fabrication stage, which will net 50 new bike racks for downtown and the central city. Allen Wang, left, with co-designer Kory Negrich, and Jennyfer Stratman unveiled their winning designs on March 17 during the Pedal to the Metal: Bike Art Show (photo courtesy of City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture).
This is a “green” event so all bicyclists are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Water for refilling bottles will be available at Park Central and CityScape, no disposable bottles will be provided. There will be a Valley Metro T-shirt and a complimentary light breakfast at CityScape for those who pre-register for the ride by April 11. Pre-registration for the ride is required at: http://www.maricopa.gov/btw.
The city of Phoenix Fire, Police and Street Transportation departments are teaming up to educate youth about bike safety and promote the use of bike helmets at a Bike Rodeo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. a.m. Saturday, April 21 at the south side of Palma Park (11th Street and Townley Avenue). Note that part of Townley Avenue may be blocked off for this event.
Children will have the opportunity to actively participate in various activities to improve their riding ability and learn bike safety tips. Children are invited to bring their bikes and helmets to participate in event activities. The Phoenix Police and Fire Departments will have some helmets to give away (while supplies last). Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. No RSVP needed.
In addition, the Phoenix Police Department’s Bike Patrol officers will host their annual Tour de Sunnyslope, a police-led bike ride around the area and a fundraiser for the Bike Patrol program. No prior registration required, just show up at 9 a.m. also at the south side of Palma Park on April 21. The ride will start and end at the park and is open to all ages. Bring a bike in good working order, and since the police are leading the ride, it’s best to wear a helmet! Stay after the ride and enjoy ’Slope Fest in the park, with food trucks, games and more.
Downtempo Ride celebrates Valley Bike Month with a ride to FilmBar for a special screening of the “The Triplets of Belleville” (animated), on Monday, April 30. Meet at Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave., at 7 p.m. for a leisurely ride to FilmBar, 815 N. 2nd St. The movie starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10, advance purchase is recommended at http://thefilmbarphx.com. The routes are designed to be accessible, although they may include short ramps (e.g. pedestrian bridges over the freeway). If you are nervous about riding on the streets, this is great introduction. All types of bikes in good working order are welcome.
For more information, visit: https://www.valleymetro.org/2018-valley-bike-month-events.
