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North County Bike Events

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A busy week for bicycles in North County

Bike Month is going strong and this is a busy week for bicycles in North County! Check out these upcoming North County bike events:

  • On Wednesday May 20 our free Bike Valet will be parking bicycles at the Atascadero Farmers’ Market.
  • On Saturday May 23 our free Bike Valet will be back in North County, parking bikes at Paso Artsfest.
  • On Sunday May 24 we’re holding a Bike “Roadeo” in Paso Robles as part of this year’s Great Western Bicycle Rally.

Bike Valet at Atascadero Farmers’ Market

Throughout Rideshare‘s Bike Month we’ll be traveling around San Luis Obispo County to set up our free Bike Valet service at a number of Farmers’ Markets. Normally we set up on Thursday evenings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in SLO, but thanks to a partnership with The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Rideshare we’ll be able to park bikes countywide this month. This is a fantastic opportunity to leave your car at home, grab your bicycle and pedal down to enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors and scents of your local Farmers’ Market.

What is Bike Valet and how does it work?

Our Bike Valet is our secure bike parking service, designed to encourage everyone to ride bicycles to community events. With over 37,000 bikes parked, we are experts at protecting your ride.

The Bike Valet works just like a regular valet service.

  1. Each rider is given a check tag that matches the tag attached to their bike.
  2. The bike is carefully parked in our secure lot.
  3. To retrieve a bike, the user hands in the check tag and the bike is returned.
  4. Easy peasy!

When and Where: May 20: Bike to Atascadero Farmers’ Market, 3 PM – 6 PM (map)

Bike Valet at PASO ARTSFEST

Celebrating the arts every Memorial Day Weekend in the Paso Robles City Park, this year the main event of PASO ARTSFEST will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The day appeals to art fans of all ages, featuring the Local Stars Quick-Draw, an Outdoor Fine Art Show & Sale, a Wet Painting Sale & Auction, hands-on interactive art experiences all over the park, exciting musical guests, dance performances and many more entertaining and artistic surprises. The Saturday Main Event is always FREE to the public – and our free Bike Valet will be there to watch your bicycle while you enjoy the sights and sounds of ARTFEST.

When and Where: May 23: Bike Valet at PASO ARTSFEST, 9 AM – 5 PM (Next to the Paso Historical Society (map)

Bike Roadeo at Great Western Bicycle Rally

The Great Western Bicycle Rally brings all types of riders together for a 4 day festival of all things to do with bikes, set in one of the most idyllic cycling locations in California; Paso Robles, one of California’s nominated bicycle friendly cities. Part of the events include a Bicycle Roadeo. What’s that? A Bicycle Roadeo is a fun way to teach children about basic road skills, bike helmets and beginning street smarts.

When and Where: May 24: Bicycle Roadeo at Great Western Bicycle Rally, 9 AM – 11:30 AM Frontiertown, California Mid-State Fair Grounds, Paso Robles (map)

Bike to Work Day!

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Can Every Day Be Bike to Work Day?

While we’d love to see every day be Bike to Work Day, this Friday, May 15th 2015 is in fact Bike to Work Day all over SLO County.

diana400What is Bike to Work Day? It’s a national celebration to encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. Participants of Bike to Work Day are encouraged to make stops at locations around SLO County that will provide them with the fuel they need to complete their commutes!

This year there will be special Bike to Work Day events in Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo sponsored by Rideshare’s Back ‘N’ Forth Club. The Back ‘N’ Forth Club is the region’s employer commute program. To learn more about the Back ‘N’ Forth Club visit iRideshare.org. 

Bike to one of these events on your way to work and have breakfast, get great giveaways and earn a chance to win a new bicycle at the Bike Month Blowout on June 4th.

Where can I participate?

SOUTH COUNTY:

  • Location: Voler (Manhattan Ave, Grover Beach)
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Giveaways, chances to win, free bike safety inspections, Station Grill breakfast burritos, muffins, granola bars, coffee, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: Grover Beach Parks & Rec, Trinity Cyclery, Voler

SLO DOWNTOWN AREA:

  • Location: SLO Bike & Run (Marsh St, SLO)
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Enjoy Splash Café breakfast burritos, donuts, vegetarian options, coffee, juice, free bike and helmet inspections, giveaways, kid-friendly event, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: SLO County, SLO Bike & Run, Clever Ducks

SLO AIRPORT AREA:

  • Location: SESLOC FCU (Broad St, SLO)
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Breakfast burritos, snack bars, coffee, beverages, live music, Lezyne giveaways, chances to win, Bike Month t-shirt pick-up location, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: MINDBODY, SESLOC, Lezyne, SRAM

MORRO BAY:

  • Location: Morro Bay City Park (Harbor St & Morro Bay Blvd)
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Breakfast burritos, chips & dip, coffee, juice, live radio broadcast, bike fixit, giveaways, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: Chamber of Commerce, Morro Bay Bike Shop, Lolo’s, 97.3 The Rock

ATASCADERO:

  • Location: Atascadero Chamber of Commerce parking lot (El Camino Real, Atascadero)
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Breakfast burritos, fruit, granola bars, yogurt, coffee, juice, bike safety checks, giveaways, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: KMAN Cyclery, Atascadero Chamber, Galaxy Theatres, Solarponics, Go for It! Sports

PASO ROBLES:

  • Location: Paso Robles Library parking lot
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Breakfast, beverages, giveaways, bike safety checks, and Back ‘N’ Forth Club reflective snap bands
  • Partners: Library/Parks & Rec, Best Bike Zone

Want more information about Bike Month events in SLO County? Head over to Rideshare for all the latest Bike Month information: https://rideshare.org/BikeMonth

Like Bikes?

Become a member of The Bike Coalition – it’s free to sign-up and we’ll keep you informed every month about bike events and issues in SLO County. Click this link to join: I Like Bikes!

Special Bike Valets in May

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Throughout Rideshare‘s Bike Month we’ll be traveling around San Luis Obispo County to set up our free Bike Valet service at a number of Farmers’ Markets. Normally we set up on Thursday evenings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in SLO, but thanks to the generosity of The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) we’ll be able to park bikes countywide this month. This is a fantastic opportunity to leave your car at home, grab your bicycle and pedal down to enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors and scents of your local Farmers’ Market.

What is Bike Valet and how does it work?

Our Bike Valet is our secure bike parking service, designed to encourage everyone to ride bicycles to community events. With over 37,000 bikes parked, we are experts at protecting your ride.

The Bike Valet works just like a regular valet service.

  1. Each rider is given a check tag that matches the tag attached to their bike.
  2. The bike is carefully parked in our secure lot.
  3. To retrieve a bike, the user hands in the check tag and the bike is returned.
  4. Easy peasy!

When and Where?

ValetWater420May 1: Bike to Avila Beach Farmers’ Market, 4 PM -8 PM (map)

May 2: Bike to Paso Robles Farmers’ Market, 9 AM – 1 PM (map)

May 4: Bike to Baywood Farmers’ Market, 2 PM – 4:30 PM (map)

May 14: Bike to Morro Bay Farmers’ Market, 2:30 PM – 5 PM (map)

May 16: Bike to Arroyo Grande Farmers’ Market, 12 PM – 2:30 PM (map)

May 17: Bike to Nipomo Farmers’ Market, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (map)

May 20: Bike to Atascadero Farmers’ Market, 3 PM – 6 PM (map)

May 26: Bike to Pismo Beach Farmers’ Market, 8 AM – 11 AM (map)

APCD170

Light Up SLO County

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The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club (SLOBC) and the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition are using Rideshare’s Bike Month and the region’s bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign, #LetsGetVisible, to kick-off a unique bike safety program, Light Up San Luis Obispo County!

The SLOBC and the Bicycle Coalition have partnered to purchase a supply of bicycle lights that have been provided, LightUpSLOCountyLaw440without cost, to all of our local law enforcement agencies. Patrol officers will have the opportunity to give a free set of lights to any person riding a bicycle at night without the legally required lighting equipment. SLOBC President Will Benedict said, “This effort will help cyclists be lawful and more visible at night and greatly improve safety for all users of our roadways.”

Cal Poly Chief of Police George Hughes said, “This program will give our police officers a positive way to encourage students to comply with bicycle lighting requirements on and around our campus.”

“The community support for Bike Month is overwhelming”, said Stephanie Hicks, Program Manager for SLO Regional Ride Share. “Light Up San Luis Obispo County”, in conjunction with Bike Month activities and the region’s new bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign #LetsGetVisible underscores our region’s commitment to safe roadways for all users.

Participating agencies include the Police Departments of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, CHP, Cal Poly PD, Cuesta College PD, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department.

The SLOBC, founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization that promotes safe and legal bicycle riding for recreation and transportation. For more information about the club and our activities, please visit our website at www.slobc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/slobc.org

Let’s Get Visible and Light Up SLO County!

Like Bikes?

Become a member of The Bike Coalition – it’s free to sign-up and we’ll keep you informed every month about bike events and issues in SLO County. Click this link to join: I Like Bikes!

Bike Month Preview

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Bike Month is almost here!

We’re excited that Rideshare’s Bike Month is just days away and want to give you a preview of some of the fantastic events happening throughout the month of May.

May 1st:

Art After Dark: To kick off Bike Month, a number of galleries throughout San Luis Obispo are featuring bike-themed artwork during Art After Dark, including Linnaea’s Cafe which will feature the month-long bicycle-themed group show “Joy Ride”, with an opening reception from 6PM – 9PM. A portion of all sales from this show will benefit the Bicycle Coalition. A list of all participating Art After Dark galleries can be found here:  https://www.artsobispo.org/system/files/AAD_Current_Listing_May15.pdf

May 2nd:

Community Workout: Start Bike Month right with a free outdoor workout class in beautiful Meadow Park led by Jonathan Gabriel, followed by a short bike ride, with instruction by Vanessa from the SLO County Bicycle Coalition. Make sure and bring a bicycle AND a helmet! We’ll meet up in Meadow Park by the Basketball Courts at 8:00 AM.

Bike in Movie: The Bike-In Movie is a popular event held each year Big-Hero-6-200during May’s Bike Month and this year marks our 11th Annual! We’ll be showing the wildly popular Big Hero 6 in the Mission Plaza Amphitheater starting at 7:45 PM.  We’ll provide popcorn, hot chocolate and a family friendly movie for everyone to enjoy. As always, our Bike Valet will be on hand to help with bicycle parking. Come earlier in the day and check out the Central Coast Sustainability Festival, a day long event featuring an exposition of student and industry projects related to sustainability accompanied by entertainment and food.

May 7th: 

Kidical Mass: Often called the family bike happening, Kidical Mass is a venue for parents to teach their kids how to ride safely. We’re kicking off the 2015 Kidical Mass season on May 7th in Mitchell Park at 5:30 PM. This month’s theme is Superheroes! Costumes are not required but are heartily encouraged! If you have ever wanted to ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. No matter your age, the ride is a blast for everyone! The more the merrier as we introduce the next generation to the joy of bicycles. For more information and additional dates, click here: https://slobikelane.org/programs/kidicalmass/#tab-id-1

May 8th:

Meet the Winemaker at Windows on The Water Benefit: In honor of Bike Month, Peloton Cellars and Windows on The Water are teaming up for a special event to benefit the SLO County Bicycle Coalition at Windows on The Water in Morro Bay. Join us for an evening of Peloton Cellars’ award-winning wines accompanied by a special pairing of Windows on The Water appetizers. More information available here: https://slobikelane.org/meet-the-winemaker/

May 9th:

Bikefest: Combine fun music, great food, discount New Belgium Brewery Beers and an awesome celebration of bikes and you get…Bikefest! Held every year in the Village of Arroyo Grande, Bikefest 2015 happens Saturday, May 9th at Branch Street Deli from 1 pm to 4 pm. A bike parade beginning at the Rotary Bandstand will start the festivities at 12:30. This year’s theme is: Biking makes for a safer and healthier community. Come join sponsors Rideshare, Branch Street Deli, New Belgium Brewery, Lezyne, Ira’s Bike Shop and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition for this year’s event. All ages are welcome, so grab your bike and head to Branch Street Deli. It’s going to be a blast.

May 17th: 

Cycle De Mayo: Come enjoy the outdoors, be active, and have fun with the whole family at this year’s Cycle De Mayo: The Missing Link Event, highlighting the missing bicycle-friendly link between the three cities with group rides for adults from Paso Robles and Atascadero to Templeton. Checkout the BMX Stunt show, learn about bike safety, and eat some wonderful BBQ while listening to local music! Bike decorating, a kid’s bike rodeo, and face painting are just a few of the kid friendly events. 10AM – 4PM. More info at https://www.cycledemayo.com/.

May 30th:

Bike Fashion Show/Annual Party: Open to the whole community, our annual party is always a blast! Coalition members and non-members alike come together for a fantastically fun evening of bikes, food, and bike-related fashion. Food by Mee Heng Low, Beer and Wine from local brewers. Music by DJ Malik. Members $5. Nonmembers $10. Entry includes 1 Free Beverage. 6PM – 9PM at iFixit Headquarters in SLO (1330 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401)

May 31st:

BIKE TO BLUES KIDICAL MASS: Rideshare, SLO County Air Pollution Control District and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition encourage you to re-think how you get to and from your favorite activities. Bike to the Blues Baseball game and get free admission (first 200 adults only – kids always free). Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride meets at Mitchell Park at 11:30 a.m then rides as a group to the stadium. Game starts at 1 p.m. More Kidical Mass info available here: https://slobikelane.org/programs/kidicalmass/#tab-id-1

Farmers’ Market Bike Valets:

The Bike Coalition and The SLO County Air Pollution Control District are joining forces to present our free Bike Valet at Farmers’ Markets all over the county during Bike Month. Go to slobikelane.org/special-bike-valets-in-may/ for dates and times.

There are lots more events happening during Bike Month, including Bike Breakfasts, Bike to Work Day and Bike to School Day. We’ll post more as the month rolls on. See Rideshare’s full Bike Month calendar here: https://www.rideshare.org/program/bike-month/

Paso Robles Named Bicycle Friendly Community

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Paso_BFCWe’re thrilled to be a part of the process of naming Paso Robles an official Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists!

With this, the League’s most recent round of designations, there are now 259 BFCs in 47 states across the country. The Bronze Level  award recognizes Paso Robles’s commitment to improving bicycling with investments in the promotion of bicycles, education programs, infrastructure and policies.

This is just one more example of your Bicycle Coalition being hard at work making all of SLO County better for bicycles. Horray for another step forward for a bicycle friendly SLO County!

To help the Bicycle Coalition continue to do amazing things countywide, become a member. The more members we have, the stronger our ability is to advocate and achieve victories like this, we couldn’t do it without you!

You can read more about Paso Roble’s Bronze Level BFC designation in the Paso Robles Daily News here.