Was every single day last month like a wind tunnel blasting pollen in your face? It sure seemed like it. But, fingers crossed, the 31 days of May will be more bike-friendly. They’d better be, because it’s Bike Month and we’ve got all sorts of events you’ll want to enjoy.

Bike to Work Day May 17

If you’re new to the region and haven’t experienced this event before, you’re in for a two-wheeled treat. (And if you’re a multi-year veteran, well, welcome back!)

Bethesda Bike Jersey Deadline: May 12

For a limited time, you can get an official Bethesda “bike jersey” (not to be confused with a t-shirt) that will show your true two-wheeled colors and make cycling along the Capital Crescent Trail (or anywhere) even more fun.

What? This is a top-quality performance jersey custom made for Bethesda-based bike lovers out of Hexa Cool fabric that provides excellent moisture wicking, breathability and reliable protection from UV rays. It features three rear cargo pockets with reflective tabs to enhance visibility. (Note: This is not the Bike to Work Day t-shirt!)

How Much? It’s only $50, which is a great value for a purpose-built sports garment that offers instant street cred (whether you’re a daily cyclist or a once-in-a-while trail cruiser).

Act Now! Supply is limited. And they’re only available online until midnight on May 12. Get it shipped straight to you. Order yours here: https://biketoworkdaybikejersey2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

County Offers Bike Safety Classes

Before heading out to enjoy some of Montgomery County’s 112 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly road shoulders and separated bike lanes (also known as cycle tracks), you might opt to brush up on your skills through one of the County’s low-cost adult bike classes this spring. They’re so popular that some of the May events already have waiting lists. Check out the class schedule and save your spot ASAP.

Big Thanks

A huge “thank you” goes to all sponsors who have committed to attend or otherwise support the downtown Bethesda pit stop event. We will run special spotlights on each sponsor beginning with this month’s issue and throughout the summer months. Meanwhile, here is the full sponsor list as of May 2:

Terrapin Bicycles - Region-wide Silver Sponsor

Terrapin Bicycles has been supporting Bike to Work Day since we opened in 2021 and this year we are proud to be a Silver sponsor by donating two Momentum e-bikes to the region-wide 2024 raffle! We are very community oriented and support a number of events and groups each year. We were the 2023 sponsor of the year for the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE). We support the National Capital Velo Club (NCVC), Just Tryan It (kids’ triathlon), Dawg Daze XC MTB race, and women's MTB groups, amongst many other events throughout the year.

Located at 4933 Auburn Ave in Bethesda, Terrapin Bicycles is a full-service bike shop that sells everything from kids’ bikes through high-performance race machines. Some of the brands we carry are Giant, Liv, Yeti, OPEN, Woom, 3T, Salsa, and Riese & Muller. (We also serve beer/wine and sell home-roasted coffee!) Come visit us or join one of our group rides!

– Kevin Strumwasser, Owner, Terrapin Bicycles

WABA

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) will be joining the Bethesda Bike to Work Day pit stop on Friday, May 17! Stop by for a snack, information on bike safety, and a chance to win sweepstakes merch! WABA helped advocate for the protected bike lane network in and around the Bethesda Central Business District, as well as the lanes on Old Georgetown Road. We also have classes in the area, including one for learning to ride and one for brushing up on your basic skills.

– Ken Reichmann, Development and Membership Manager, WABA

Montgomery County Planning Department

Montgomery Planning is very interested in sharing the great work we’re doing to make Montgomery County more walkable, more bikeable, and generally easier to get around without having to use a car. We view Bike to Work Day — and pit stop events in biking hotspots — as a great opportunity to talk with people about our work and get feedback about how we can improve. Downtown Bethesda is one of the centers of biking activity in the county, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the pit stop event on May 17.

– Eli Glazier, Transportation Planning Supervisor, Montgomery County Planning Department

The St. James

The St. James Performance Club is a high-end fitness club that believes everyone is an athlete and should train like an athlete. Our brand is built on a build, burn, and recover ethos to maximize results and ensure you are operating at your best. We are thrilled to be partnering with Bike to Work Day and cannot wait to display some of our exciting recovery options!

– Julie Whyte, Community Manager, The St. James

You don’t need to go far afield to continue your Bike Month celebrations. Bethesda has some great green spaces in and around downtown that can be fun cycling destinations. Here are some of the closest spots, grouped by whether the park is to the east or west of Wisconsin Ave., respectively.

    East of Wisconsin

And there are more parks on the way. Caroline Freeland Urban Park is being renovated and should be completed in the fall.

The purchase of land for the planned Eastern Capital Crescent Urban Recreational Park was recently approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The nearly two-acre park will be on Montgomery Ave. near East-West Highway and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. It’s in the early conceptual stages. No timeline has been announced, as additional nearby land parcels must first be obtained and the Purple Line must be completed. Read more in MoCo360.