May is National Bike Month, and it has been since 1956. The idea is simple: get more people on bikes, remind the rest of us why we love riding, and celebrate what bicycles do for communities. We are big believers in that idea.
This May, we are not just hanging a sign in the window. We are actually putting on three unique events and inviting all of Evansville to be part of it.
Bike to School Day | Wednesday, May 6
This one is for the kids… and honestly, for the parents too.
National Bike to School Day happens every year on the first Wednesday in May, and it is exactly what it sounds like. Kids ride their bikes to school instead of getting dropped off. It sounds simple, but the difference it makes is real.
- Kids show up more awake, more ready, and a little prouder of themselves.
- Parents get a reminder of what it felt like to ride somewhere on your own for the first time.
If your child has been wanting to ride to school but has not quite made it happen, this is the day to do it. Meet at the upper shelter of Leonard Leota Park at 7:15am for a 7:30am rollout to school.
Wednesday, May 6 | Upper Shelter Leonard Leota Park | 7:30am ride to school
eBike Demo Day | Saturday, May 16
A lot of people are curious about eBikes. Not many have actually ridden one.
That is exactly what eBike Demo Day is built for. Come see us at Lake Leota on May 16, take one out for a real ride, and see what you think. We will have bikes from Aventon and Velotric at the shelter near the Evansville Jays diamond between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help find the right fit. We will have freebies and raffle items too.
If you have questions about Classes 1, 2, and 3 and what the differences mean in real life, check out last week’s article before you come, or just show up and ask us. Either works.
Saturday, May 16 – Oscar Dietz Shelter on Burr Jones Circle, Leonard Leota Park, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Kids Bike Rodeo | Saturday, May 30
A Bike Rodeo is a skills and safety event for kids, and it is as fun as it sounds. Kids work through stations that teach them real riding skills: starting and stopping, turning, navigating obstacles, and understanding the rules of the road. They build confidence in a low-stakes, supportive environment, and they have a great time doing it.
If you have a child from 3 years old through 5th grade, who is just getting started on two wheels, or one who rides all the time but could use a little structured practice, this event is for them.
Saturday, May 30 | St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot | 12:30pm – 2:00pm.
(Rain location: Grove Campus Field House.)
Come Be Part of It
Three events and three chances to get out, ride, and connect with people in this community who love bikes as much as we do. We opened Shifting Gears Bike Shop because we believe bikes make life better. May is the month to prove it.
Mark the dates. Tell your neighbors. Bring your kids.
