Gearing up for Bike Month: Family Bicycling Events in New York City

Every May, New Yorkers celebrate Bike Month. This year, it’s more important than ever: With the recession still in full swing, families are looking for cheaper transportation alternatives. But most importantly, bicycling is a fun and healthy way for kids and parents to spend some quality time together. So with that in mind, we present some of our favorite family friendly bike events for May—and beyond.

Free Classes and Rides from Bike New York
Bike New York runs rides throughout the year all over New York City. Earlier this month, they had their annual five-boro bike tour, the biggest cycling event in the US, with thirty thousand riders participating. (Their Long Island Harbors Ride will be in June, in Brentwood.) If your child wants to learn to bike, check out the free classes they have for kids. (The next one is May 16, offered in both Brooklyn and the Bronx.) These lessons focus on safety and a stress-free riding experience; are recommended especially for new riders; and are taught by bicyclists certified by the League of American Bicyclists.

Brooklyn Bike Jumble
This is the first year for the Brooklyn Bike Jumble (at J.J. Byrne Park in Park Slope, on May 31^st, from 10-2), an outdoor flea market offering a variety of bicycles, ranging from kid’s styles to mountain bikes. Bike parts, cycling clothing from Outlier, and—believe it or not—even bike paintings will also be available for purchase.

Car Free Saturday in Crotona Park
New York is a city full of cars. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little break from all the noise and pollution? That’s the thinking behind this event, which takes place on May 30^th, from 12-5. Kids get half a mile of open space to ride their bikes in, while listening to a live DJ. And if their bikes happen to give out, no need to panic: there will be a repair station.

Bike Helmet Giveaway at Countee Cullen Library
Bike helmets are vital for safety and now, your kids have no excuse for not wearing one, since the Department of Transportation is giving them away for free! Get your helmet by showing up on May 16, any time from 12 to 4—though we recommend arriving as early as possible, since supplies are limited. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a cycling map of New York City.

Bike Tours for Families in Central Park
What better way to explore Central Park than on a guided bike tour? Any day of the week, children age 8 and up can bike to see the Carousel, the Strawberry Fields memorial, the Alice in Wonderland statue, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, to name but a few. They also have a tour of famous movie scenes—see where films like Home Alone 2 and Rosemary’s Baby were shot.