NORFOLK — This city really cares about bikes.
In the last two years, Norfolk has installed bike lanes through the Ghent and Park Place neighborhoods and has seen the creation of a bicycle renting program known as “Pace.”
Now, Downtown Norfolk Council, along with the City of Norfolk, Hampton Roads Transit’s TRAFFIX program and Pace Norfolk have partnered in May to celebrate the 8th Annual Norfolk Bike Month.
DNC’s program will encourage the use of bicycles throughout Downtown Norfolk, and emphasize the culture and quality of life that biking brings to communities.
DNC is a private nonprofit membership organization comprised of businesses and individuals working toward improving the quality of life for residents and businesses in Downtown Norfolk, according to a news release.
There are a number of ways to celebrate throughout the month with bike community groups and special events, according to DNC.
- May 4 at 5 p.m.
- First Fridays at The Plot in the NEON District: The first 25 bikers to use event bike racks will get a free beer ticket and coupons for a free bike share ride. The event includes food trucks and live music by BJ Griffin and the Galaxy Groove.
- May 12 at 10 a.m.
- Bike Part Swap at the MacArthur Center Green: Social Cycling Norfolk is hosting a free swap meet for bikers to talk shop, meet local cyclists, trade bike parts and see what others have to sell, trade or give away.
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- May 9 at 6 p.m.
- Norfolk Bike Expo at Slover Library: A free, public event that will include bike advocates, bike ride groups, trail organizations, city staff and other cyclists for a social and educational bike fair.
- May 18
- Bike-to-Work Day: DNC has expanded the amount of pit stops available last year to six, with a pit stop located at The Plot from 7-9 a.m., where bikers will be able to pick up fruit and water. Riders headed into downtown can also visit other pit stops in MacArthur Square, the Waterside ferry dock on the Elizabeth River, Chelsea, Ghent and Old Dominion University’s Webb Center.
- May 18 at 8 p.m.
- Glow Ride at The Plot in the NEON District: The third annual nighttime mass bike ride starts at the Plot and winds its way through Ghent, Freemason and Granby Street in downtown. Riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes in glowing and neon gear.
- May 31 at 5 p.m.
- Bikes, Brews & Baseball at Benchtop Brewing Co. & Harbor Park: Friends of the Elizabeth River Trail will meet up at Benchtop’s tasting room and go for a group bike ride along the Elizabeth River Trail, ending at a Tides game at Harbor Park.
- MacArthur Center is providing bike education classes at the Live360 studio and Manic Monday rides with Norfolk Cycle Sisters from the Green. Downtown Norfolk Council ambassadors will hand out prizes and Pace bike-share coupons to riders throughout the month.
A list of all city-wide Bike Month activities is also available.
