May is National Bike Month, and the League of American Bicyclists made a Bingo card to help celebrate. We're big fans of bike month, and looked for the most “Showers Pass” row on the card. These squares are genuinely worth doing and sharing with your friends. We also added a couple of bonus activities just because we like ‘em. Grab your bingo marker and get rolling!
Email Your Elected Official
Yeah, it’s kind of like homework. But bike infrastructure doesn't build itself, and the people making those decisions respond to constituent input more than most of us realize. Got a dangerous intersection on your commute? A gap in the protected lane network? A road that desperately needs a sharrow at minimum? Take five minutes and send an email. You don't have to be an experienced advocate, just a rider with a specific, honest observation!
Say Hello to Another Cyclist
A friendly hello from behind your bars- there’s no reason not to! Whether you go for the nod, the wave, or shout "nice day for it" (bold) across an intersection. Cycling culture is a community, not a race. Say hello, we’re all humans out there!
Join a Group Ride, Bike Party, or Meet-Up
Whether with your established crew or fresh faces and fresh paces, we love a good group ride. Around our offices, there’s a Wednesday lunchtime road ride, Thursday night ride, coffee outside ride, and more. Check your local bike shop's ride calendar, search for bike rides on Reddit or dig into what's happening through your regional cycling advocacy org. Events start multiplying in May and keep up steam through the summer, so now’s a great time to join in.
Ride to School or Work
It’s the answer to “what’s one thing to make every day better?” If you've been thinking about trying the bike commute but haven't pulled the trigger, Bike Month is the nudge you've been waiting for. Try it for a day. Pick a route you've scouted (or use a routing app like RideWithGPS to find the low-stress option), leave ten minutes earlier than you think you need to, and see how you feel when you get there. Spoiler: you'll feel better than if you'd driven.
Forecast calls for rain? Well, it is still May… but that's what we're here for at Showers Pass ;)
Support a Local Bike Shop
Local bike shops are indispensable. They're where you get your flat fixed, your fit dialed, and you get the local scoop from riders out on roads, trails, and streets around you every day. Support them with a service or a purchase, and if your shop has a group ride, try it on for size. Shops run on tight margins and community loyalty; your support is welcome.
Bonus Square: Wash/Tune Up Your Bike
A clean bike is a faster bike, a quieter bike, and a bike that tells you when something's wrong before it becomes a problem. Wipe down your frame, lube your chain (unless you’re rolling a smooth and quiet belt drive) check your brake pads and tire pressure. *Pro tip: run less pressure for a smoother ride. While you're at it, now's a good time to refresh the DWR coating on your rain gear. Wash your jacket and pants with a tech-wash detergent, apply fresh DWR, and give it a warm tumble dry. You'll thank yourself the next time it pours.
Bonus Square: Ride to Get Ice Cream
Not every ride needs a purpose. Pick a scoop shop, find a leisurely route there, and call it training...for summer. Enjoy National Bike Month!
Download your Bike Month Bingo card here from the League of American Bicyclists.
