Bike Month 2026: Better Than Ever - The Piedmont Environmental Council

Riders of all ages took up the #bikecville cause during the month of May. Hugh Kenny/PEC.

Bike Cville’s momentum is spreading. This year, there was something happening every single day, from group rides to events and clinics. And it’s not over yet.

In fact, we’ve added something new. There will be a Closing Party and Optional Ride Sunday, May 31!

Here are some of my favorite highlights from Bike Month 2026:

For the first time, there were formal Bike Month proclamations from both the Albemarle Board of Supervisors and the Charlottesville City Council.
Every local bike shop hosted a free repair clinic, also for the first time. There will be another one this Thursday at Blue Ridge Cyclery on Preston Ave. Register now to get your ride checked and your questions answered!
You could “pick your poison” while discussing the environmental and health benefits of cycling, with a Climate Cafe in the morning and Green Drinks in the evening.
Local commuters showed up to work on bikes. Last time I checked, Charlottesville was the top city for most bike commutes logged in the Bike Month Business Challenge!

Remember to tag your bike-related social posts with #bikecville so we can see them.

Bike Month results from collaboration with the City, County, local organizations, clubs, businesses and activists – plus U. Va. Peter Krebs/PEC.

Wrap Up Bike Month with a Party for a Cause

There will be a party and optional group ride this coming Sunday, May 31 to bring Bike Month to a close. There will be prizes for people who have completed their Bike Month BINGO cards, a raffle and the announcement of the winner of the Bike Month Business Challenge.

You don’t need to be a cyclist to enjoy the party. The party will double as the May gathering of the Active Mobility Alliance, a regional coalition that promotes walking, biking, running, paddling and fresh air for all.

Proceeds from the party will benefit iCan Shine, a very cool organization that gets people with disabilities comfortably riding conventional bicycles (and taking part in other active recreation).

We heard about iCan Shine at last year’s summer social and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with them. Photo by Peter Krebs / PEC.

Bike Month Closing Party
Sunday, May 31
Group Ride: 10 a.m. | Party: 12 – 3 p.m.
Random Row Brewery, 608 Preston Avenue
Printable Flyer | FB Event to Share

The Bike Path Doesn’t End Here

Keep the bike month momentum going: the Bike Cville website has a year-round calendar of group rides and events, contacts for local cycling groups, safe cycling resources and some quiet local bike routes.

Although this past weekend featured much-needed rain, this coming weekend should be lovely. A full Bike Month schedule, with rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will give plenty of ways to kick off the summer season.

See you out there!

Peter Krebs
Albemarle & Charlottesville Community Advocacy Manager
[email protected]
(434) 465-9869