On Saturday, Ward Parkway will transform into the family-friendly open streets festival, Cycle in the City. This is one of many upcoming events to celebrate biking and sustainable transportation in May. Don’t miss your chance to bike on Ward Parkway honk-free and happy on May 16 and these other KC Bike Month events.
Bike-In Movie – May 14
Bikes will take over the Boulevard Drive-In from 7 – 11 p.m. for an evening with biking fun and the 1980’s classic, The Goonies. Learn more.
Cycle in the City – May 16
Cycle in the City is an open streets festival that will transform a portion of Ward Parkway from a motorized thoroughfare to a free, family-friendly open streets festival 2 – 5 p.m. from Meyer Circle to Gregory Boulevard. Learn more.
Tour de Platte – May 16
Explore scenic Platte County on the first Tour de Platte in Riverside, MO. 10 mile and 36 mile routes are available to choose from. Learn more.
Tour de Bier KC – May 17
Explore Kansas City’s rich brewery heritage, historic neighborhoods and modern breweries by bike at the annual Tour de Bier KC. Three route options are available, all ending with lunch and a huge after-party at Knuckleheads Saloon. Learn more.
Ride of Silence – May 20
The Kansas City community is invited to join the 9th annual Kansas City Ride of Silence to remember more than 70 bicyclists who have been killed in the Kansas City area since records have been kept. The Ride of Silence is a free event from 6:30 – 8 p.m. that will start at the Brookside Shops. Learn more.
Women’s Ride Day at Downtown Airport – May 31
Women across the nation are gathering to enjoy a ride together on their local streets and trails to celebrate women in cycling on May 31. Whether you’re an accomplished rider or a first-timer, Women’s Ride Day and Women’s Ride Day training will help you connect with other women in your area who enjoy riding. Learn more.
Bike to Work Rest Stops
Trolley Track Trail – May 11 – 15
Stop by Family Bicycles on your commute to or from work or school to enjoy snacks, put air in your tires, and check out your local bike shop. The store is right on the trail at 7337 Broadway, Kansas City, MO and the rest stop will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Leawood Bike Commuter Rest Stops – May 11 – 14
Refuel along your bike commute at any Leawood Fire Station with drinks and snacks from 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. at Fire Station #1, 9609 Lee Blvd; Fire Station #2, 12701 Mission Rd; Fire Station #3, 14801 Mission Road.
Mission Energizer Station – May 15
The City of Mission will host an energizer station (rest stop) for bike commuters at the Consolidated Fire District Station 21, 6400 Martway St., Mission, KS. Commuters who stop by 6:30 – 8 a.m. will be treated to free juice or coffee and a light breakfast snack.
Shawnee Bike Commuter Rest Stop – May 15
The City of Shawnee will show support for biking to work by offering a refuel station for cyclists. From 6:30 – 8 a.m. stop by for water, light breakfast items and vouchers for free coffee from Shawnee’s Downtown Coffee Shop, 11101 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. Pick up the newest Johnson County Trails Map, too.
For more information about Bike Month, visit www.kcbikemonth.com.
When my husband graduated from Law school, I bought him a Schwinn bicycle. We moved to Boston, MA and only had one car. He used that bicycle to commute to work. (about 15 miles each way) At some point we were in a race, car vs. bus/subway vs. bicycle. I think he won on his bike. By this time he had a new bicycle, and had built a wheel truer so he could true his own wheels.
Moved to KC in 1976. We lived on Gregory, he worked at commerce towers, downtown. As often as possible he biked to work. His gear was better, his life was better. At some point Channel 9 did a piece on him, where they followed his route. At none of these times was there an official trail that he followed. He mapped out a route as efficiently and safely as possible. We built a house near 123rd Terrace in 1988. His travels were different than before. Sometimes he rode from Brookside to downtown and left his car in a parking lot. Sometimes he rode all the way(rarely), and sometimes he drove his car.
Now that he is in his 70’s, he has researched and chosen a new opportunity. He has his 2nd electrical assist bicycle. He often rides from our home, to his office. (Last year his office moved to Crown Center, so a shorter route.) Not only is he getting exercise, saving fuel costs and pollution, but he also smiles more, since he is breathing fresh air, absorbing lots of sunshine, meeting other cyclists and taking advantage of some of the trails that have come to be in Kansas and Missouri.