Kalamazoo Celebrates Bike Month in May with Events for All Riders

Published on May 01, 2025

May is Bike Month, and Kalamazoo is gearing up to celebrate with a full calendar of bike-friendly events, activities, and community rides for everyone from seasoned cyclists to first-time riders.

“We support Bike Month because biking is a powerful tool for personal and community well-being,” said Rebakah Kik, Deputy City Manager. “It promotes active living, reduces emissions, and helps make our neighborhoods more livable. Whether it’s for fun or for getting where you need to go, we want biking to be safe and accessible for everyone.”

Whether riding for fun, commuting to work, or just learning the rules of the road, there’s something for everyone during Kalamazoo’s Bike Month celebration. Events throughout May will offer opportunities for all ages and skill levels, from kids just learning to ride to dedicated cyclists looking to connect with others. With group rides, safety education, family-friendly events, and commuter-focused events, Bike Month is a chance to explore biking as a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to get around. Highlights include:

• National Ride a Bike Day – Sunday, May 4
  Rediscover the joy of cycling during this nationwide celebration encouraging people of all ages to get out and ride. It’s also a great reminder of how bikes can connect us to our communities and the world around us.
• Bikes in the Zoo – Saturday, May 10 | 12–4 PM | Kalamazoo Mall

  This event is an exciting evolution of the Bicycle Show and now a collaboration between Downtown Kalamazoo Shops, the City, and Sounds of the Zoo. It will take place Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 4 p.m. on the Kalamazoo Mall, kicking off Bike Week. Enjoy vintage bikes, e-bikes, live music, fitness activities, and pedal-powered fun. Plus riders can catch the Bike Bus and ride to and from the event with other neighbors from the Westnedge Hill, Winchell, or Vine.

• Mayors’ Ride – Saturday, May 10 | 10 AM | Eliason Nature Reserve

  Join the Mayors of the City of Portage and the City of Kalamazoo on a casual, scenic bike ride through the Eliason Nature Reserve (1614 West Osterhout Avenue). The 3-mile ride will start at the pavilion at the south end of the preserve and head 1.5 miles north along the trail before looping back to the starting point.

• Kalamazoo Area Bike Week - Saturday, May 10 to Saturday, May 17

  A week-long celebration of cycling in Kalamazoo, featuring group rides, educational events, and fun activities that highlight the benefits of biking for health, sustainability, and community connection. Visit kalamazoobikeweek.org to see a full calendar of events.

• National Bike to Work Week – Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16

  National Ride Your Bike to Work Week coincides with Kalamazoo-Area Bike Week, starting on Monday, May 12 and ending with National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16. Trade four wheels for two and experience the benefits of biking to work. Join fellow commuters in making a positive impact on your health and the environment.

• Bike Rodeo - Wednesday, May 14 | 5 – 6:30 PM | Mayors’ Riverfront Park

A fun, educational, and free event for kids, teaching essential bike safety skills with hands-on activities, helmet fittings, a safety course, and even a bike-powered smoothie station. There will also be free bike tune ups and helmets for kids who need one. Guests can RSVP early to be entered in a drawing to win a new bike at www.kzooparks.org/BikeRodeo 

"Even if you don’t ride, a city that’s safe and accessible for cyclists is better for everyone. Fewer cars on the road means less congestion, cleaner air, and more options for getting around. It’s about building a transportation system that works for all of us and giving people options for how they want to get around."

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market also opens in May and makes for a perfect biking destination. Situated along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, it offers easy access for cyclists and ample bike parking. Riders can also take advantage of special rewards by enrolling in the Bike Benefits program.

Kalamazoo has been steadily improving bike infrastructure, making it easier and safer to ride throughout the city. Whether for fun, fitness, or commuting, there’s never been a better time to get on a bike. Learn more about local events and how you can participate at www.kalamazoocity.org/BikeMonth.