May is one of the best times of the year to be outside in Virginia. The days are longer, everything is in bloom, and it’s a great excuse to get moving.

That’s part of the idea behind Bike Month, a nationwide celebration led by the League of American Bicyclists. It’s a simple concept: encourage more people to ride—whether that’s for fun, fitness, or just getting from one place to another.

And you don’t need to be a “cyclist” to take part.

A short ride around your neighborhood counts. Riding to grab coffee counts. Meeting a friend for an easy trail ride definitely counts.

Bike Month Is Happening All Across Virginia

Bike Month isn’t just one event—it’s happening in communities all over Virginia, and most of it is designed to be easy to join.

In Hampton Roads, you’ll find beginner-friendly events like bike expos, group rides, and Bike to Work Day pit stops where you can roll in, grab a snack, and meet other riders. It’s a great way to try it out without overthinking it.

Around Richmond, the calendar really fills up. RVA Bike Month, organized by Sports Backers’ Bike Walk RVA program is packed with diverse rides, workshops, and other events, while the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation will host its well-known Cap2Cap ride along the Virginia Capital Trail.

Head west to Roanoke, and Bike Month takes on a different feel—more trail-focused, a little more laid-back, and full of personality. Events like PedalSafe ROA’s Ride of Silence bring the community together, while the “Wednesday Night Disco” series on Mill Mountain mixes mountain biking with music and food trucks. It’s a reminder that biking can be meaningful, social, and just plain fun.

In Blacksburg, Bike Month centers around the Bike to Work Week Challenge (May 19–27), encouraging riders to log trips and try commuting by bike for a chance to win prizes. The week kicks off on May 19 with a morning event at the Draper Road Pedestrian Plaza, where you can grab refreshments, enter raffles, and get a quick tune-up before heading out. It’s a collaborative effort led by local and regional partners, including Ride Solutions, Sustainable Blacksburg, Virginia Tech & the New River Valley Bicycle Association. It’s an easy, welcoming way to get involved!

Northern Virginia localities will host 51 Bike to Work Day pit stops on May 15, as part of a huge metro DC bike-commuting celebration, while the Washington Area Bicyclist Association offers a robust assortment of learn-to-ride and bicycling skills classes around the DC region during May.  On May 3, Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn and the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling will host the Tour de Hunter Mill, a welcoming community bike ride through the Hunter Mill District with 12- and 19-mile options.

Elsewhere in Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, based in Harrisonburg, has a full calendar of May bicycling events, the City of Charlottesville will hold a Family Bike Day event on May 3, and Williamsburg-area groups are collaborating on paired “Bikes out of Hibernation” and “Pedal the Parkway” events on May 2.

Statewide Key Dates 

National Bike Month (all May)

Bike and Roll to School Day: May 6, 2026 (144 Virginia events registered as of 4/24/2026)

Bike to Work Week: May 11–17, 2026

Bike to Work Day: May 15, 2026

Ride(s) of Silence: May 20, 2026  (5 Virginia events registered as of 4/24/2026)

Other Virginia rides/events sprinkled through May: Trail rides, gravel events, MTB and road races, charity rides

Check your local community or bike shop—many host their own Bike Month rides and events.

However You Ride, It Counts

Whether you join an organized event or just head out for a quick ride close to home, Bike Month is about making it easy to get started.

No special gear required. No big commitment. Just get on a bike and go.

🚲 Not Sure Where to Start? Keep It Simple

If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a bike, you’re not alone. The good news? Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with a short, familiar route

Ride at a comfortable pace—this isn’t a race

Invite a friend or family member

Try a local trail like the Virginia Capital Trail or a neighborhood greenway

The goal isn’t to go far. It’s just to get out there.

🚲 Why People Are Getting Back on Bikes

  • It’s easier on your joints than many other activities
  • It’s a simple way to clear your head
  • It saves money on short trips
  • And honestly—it’s fun once you get going

Bike Month is more fun when you’re part of a community. Follow the Virginia Bicycling Federation on Facebook, X, or BlueSky; sign up for our blog post updates or email blasts; and stay connected to what’s happening across Virginia. 

About the Virginia Bicycling Federation

The Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) works to make Virginia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we promote safe, accessible, and enjoyable bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. From historic trails to vibrant downtowns, bicycling connects us to our communities—and to Virginia’s rich past and promising future. Learn more at www.vabike.org.

To join or donate to VBF, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to https://app.joinit.com/o/virginia-bicycling-federation.

This article was written by VBF board members Susan Motley and Jenn Million.