May Is Officially Bike Month
Events, shops, and getting around town...
May is officially bike month. Corvallis consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in the country. About 11% of residents commute by bike, placing it among the top small cities in the U.S. for cycling commuters.
PeopleForBikes' City Ratings measure the quality and the connectedness of a city's bike network. It also measures the system of protected bike lanes, off-street paths, slow shared streets, and safe crossings that measure the comfort level of people to bike around a city.
Bike Month, celebrated nationally since 1956, encourages people to ride for commuting, errands, recreation, and community connection. With the current average price of gas at $5.25 in Oregon right now, bike month seems more economical than ever.
We also have a non-profit cycling club if you are looking for people to ride with. The Mid-Valley Bicycle Club keeps Corvallis rolling. They have a full list of events for May on their website. Some of these include group rides and campouts. There are membership fees involved, but it sounds like a solid investment for some community.
We broke down some of the biking events for May and bike shops in town. Shop Local.
The city has a full list of bike events in town for the month of May:
National Bike & Roll to School Day - May, 7 - 7:15am – 7:55am: Bessie Coleman Elementary School, 3838 NW Walnut Blvd - Celebrate active commuting while building community, safety, and school spirit for students and families.
SAFE Corvallis Bike Happy Hour - May, 8 - 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Laughing Planet, 127 NW 2nd St - Casual meetup to connect with local riders and celebrate Corvallis’ cycling culture.
Team Dirt Trail Work (OSU/Starker Forest) - May, 9 - 10:00am – 1:00pm: Oak Creek Trailhead, 8600 NW Oak Creek Dr - Volunteer work day focused on improving local trail systems in McDonald Forest and surrounding areas.
Filmed By Bike - May, 9 - 7:00pm - Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave: Bicycle film screening and social gathering bringing together the local cycling community.
Team Dirt Mountain Bike Thursdays - May, 14 - 6:30pm – 8:00pm: Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St - Monthly meetup for riders to hang out, share stories, and plan upcoming rides and adventures.
Mid-Valley Bicycle Club Midge Cramer Ride - May, 16 - 10:00am: Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr - Annual ride honoring a founding member of the local cycling community and celebrating his legacy.
Corvallis Spring Roll - May, 17 - 10:00am – 2:00pm: Cloverland Park, 1605 NW 29th St - Kid-focused bike and trike event designed to build confidence and create a fun, safe riding experience.
Bike In & Set Off a “Chain” Reaction - May, 19 - 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Southtown Farmstand & Market, 1361 SE Alexander Ave - Ride in for free drinks, giveaways, and a community-focused bike gathering.
Ride of Silence - May, 20 - 6:30pm (gather), 7:00pm (ride): Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr - Memorial ride honoring cyclists while raising awareness for road safety and sharing the road.
More info can be found on the city website here.
If you are looking to bike commute more, especially with the high price of gas, some local bike shop options include:
Corvallis Cyclery | 344 SW 2nd St - A longtime staple in downtown, Corvallis Cyclery is known for its experienced staff, reliable repairs, and roots in the local cycling community. It’s a go-to spot for quality service and practical expertise.
Peak Bike & Outdoor | 207 NW 2nd St - One of our most recognizable outdoor retailers, Peak Bike & Outdoor offers a wide selection of bikes, gear, and accessories alongside knowledgeable staff. With decades of history in town, it serves as both a bike shop and a hub for the outdoor community.
Spicy Pedals | 582 SW Adams Ave - A newer addition, Spicy Pedals focuses on accessible, community-driven service with an emphasis on affordability and inclusivity. Reviews say they have a quick turnaround repairs and a welcoming atmosphere.
Corvallis Bicycle Collective | 707 NW 11th St - Our go to shop. The Corvallis Bicycle Collective is a nonprofit focused on making biking accessible to everyone. Offering used bikes, repair education, and community programs, it plays a role in lowering barriers and supporting a more inclusive biking culture.
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