Local planning officials are adding a new event this spring to accompany Bike to Work Day, an annual countywide tradition that was renamed Bike Anywhere Day last year.
Two days after the May 16 event, another day called Bike Local Day will encourage families and individuals to cycle within their communities and take advantage of promotions from participating local businesses.
The county will be divided into six regions for Local Bike Day: North Coast, North Inland, Central, Eastern, South County and North City.
Bike Anywhere Day encourages people to consider cycling to work, an exercise class, lunch or any activity they would normally drive to.
A tradition in San Diego for more than 30 years, the name was changed last year from Bike to Work Day to broaden its appeal and recognize that many more people are now working from home.
Free T-shirts and refreshments will be available at approximately 100 “pit stops” hosted by the county’s regional planning agency, the San Diego Association of Governments, which is sponsoring the event.
Pit stops will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., instead of the usual 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Encouraging people to experiment with commuting by bike has become increasingly important for cities as they work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.
For example, a revised climate action plan unveiled in 2022 by the city of San Diego sets a goal of having bicycles account for 7% of commutes by 2030 and 10% by 2035.
Cycling to work can also be part of a journey that also includes a bus, tram, ferry or walking. Most buses and trolleybuses allow commuters to take bicycles on board.
This year’s event will include the distribution of three Velotric e-bikes through a raffle. Winners must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the county.
SANDAG will also host a kickoff party and group ride on May 2 to recognize May as National Bike Month.
Bike to Work Day, which took a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, returned in May 2022 – the 30th time the event has taken place. This year’s event will be the 32nd time it has taken place.
Attendance at pit stops sometimes exceeds 8,000 people.
For more details, visit sandag.org/bikemonth.
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