Some major events are listed below, more events can be found at: reconnectrochester.org/bikeweek
The cycling season in Rochester continues with
Bike Week 2023, spanning two consecutive weekends, from May 12th to 21st, and
offering cycling events for all ages and skill levels. The purpose is to
celebrate biking in the Rochester area and expand the use of bikes as
practical, daily transportation. Bike Week welcomes new riders and demonstrates the great community
and infrastructure available to cyclists in Rochester.
Bike Week is organized by Reconnect Rochester
but is truly a grassroots effort in that each event is organized individually.
Information for the rides is below, along with a specific contact for each
ride. Even when Rochester Bike Week
ends, residents can head to ROCcyclingCalendar.org to find rides that fit their
style and schedule.
Friday, May 12
7:30pm: Light Up the Night Ride (131 Elmwood Ave)
This fun ride to kick off Bike Week begins after sundown and cyclists are encouraged to light up their bikes with bike lights and other creative lighting options. Gather in the Genesee Valley Sports Complex parking lot after 7pm; A short child-friendly ride along the Genesee Riverway Trail will begin at 7:45pm. Upon our return to the Sports Complex, a 9-mile ride for more experienced riders will proceed through Bike Boulevards at a slow but enjoyable pace. 11 miles altogether. Dress warm and bring an extra layer for when the temperature creeps down after dark. Contact: Jesse Peers jesse@reconnectrochester.org.
Saturday, May 13
10:00am: George Eastman Bike Tour (900 East Avenue)
See Rochester in a new way. A nod to George Eastman’s own love of cycling, the George Eastman Bike Tour will take you to ten different locations related to the life and work of this pioneer of popular photography and famous Rochesterian. You will see buildings and sites that shaped Eastman’s life—or were in turn shaped by him. $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Must register and pay beforehand to participate: https://www.eastman.org/bike-tour-may Contact: Emma Rathe erathe@eastman.org.
10:30am-12:30pm: Bike Rodeo (Henrietta Public Library, 625 Calkins Rd)
A fun, free event for bikes of all ages and abilities! Bring your bike! This event will be held outside of the library building in the parking lot; please dress for the weather. No registration required. Contact: Laura Lintz Laura.Lintz@LibraryWeb.org. More event details at: https://hpl.libcal.com/event/10578834.
2-3:00pm: Getting Back On Your Bike presentation (Henrietta Public Library, 625 Calkins Rd)
In this fun presentation, we’ll take an imaginative look at the many benefits of cycling and its viability as a transportation option here. A certified bike instructor from Reconnect Rochester will dismantle misconceptions, lessen your fears with current statistics, and impart some basic safety information. If you like the idea of riding your bike more, this is the class for you! Contact: Laura Lintz Laura.Lintz@LibraryWeb.org.
Monday, May 15
6pm: Just for Giggles Cycling Group Ride (Three Heads Brewing,186 Atlantic Avenue)
Join the Just for Giggles crew for a fun, no-drop road ride. Ride starts promptly at 6:15pm. The route & details can be found at this web site link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/801735/group_events/1350948. Contact via the “Event Discussions” tab on that page. You can also get more information about this group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/jfgcycling.
Tuesday, May 16
6-8:30pm: On-bike class at Reconnect Rochester (Hungerford Building, 1115 E. Main Street, door 4)
Many people like the idea of biking more, but don’t feel safe mixing with traffic. In this on-bike class, students will learn the rules of the road and proper roadway position. We’ll examine safe cycling techniques and ways to make cycling easier and more enjoyable. The class will incorporate classroom learning, parking lot maneuvering drills and a short group ride navigating different traffic scenarios together. Cost: $25 per person. Must register and pay beforehand to participate. For particulars, head to https://reconnectrochester.org/bike-education-classes/ Contact: Jesse Peers jesse@reconnectrochester.org.
Wednesday, May 17
7:00pm: National Ride of Silence (Liberty Pole, Liberty Pole Way)
Join Black Girls Do Bike Rochester and Monroe County cyclists in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Onsite registration starts at 6pm, followed by a pre-ride ceremony. Ride starts at 7pm sharp. The only requirements besides a bike to participate in this ride to raise awareness are the ability to ride along at about 10 mph and the desire to quietly celebrate the fallen. Contact: Kecia McCullough BGDBRochNY@gmail.com.
7-8pm: Getting Back On Your Bike presentation (Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Blvd)
In this fun presentation, we’ll take an imaginative look at the many benefits of cycling and its viability as a transportation option here. A certified bike instructor will dismantle misconceptions, lessen your fears with current statistics, and impart some basic safety information. If you like the idea of riding your bike more, this is the class for you! Contact: Mindy Wallington Melinda.Wallington@libraryweb.org.
Thursday, May 18
7-10am: Bike to Work pit stop, REI edition (REI, Erie Canal Heritage Trail)
Stop by your local REI Co-Op to celebrate Bike to Work week with free coffee, snacks, and bike checks by our talented bike mechanics. The REI crew will be out on the canal path on the south-side of our building to celebrate all of the riders down the Erie Canal Trail and talk all-things outside. REI-Rochester will also have cycle-specific classes and workshops throughout the month of May as we welcome the warmer weather back to Rochester. Join us at: https://www.rei.com/rochester.
7:15pm: Rochester Bicycle Time! (Parcel 5, 285 E. Main Street)
RBT’s mission is simple: All riders, regardless of skill level. They meet at Parcel 5 every Thursday around 7pm and start rolling at 7:30pm. Expect a relaxed cruise around the City with an improvised route. This ride is a great way to know how to get around by bike. Contact: Bryan Agnello bagnello@gmail.com.
Friday, May 19
7:30-10:00am: Bike to Work Day pit stop (Union Street cycletrack at East Avenue)
If you’ve never tried biking to work, this is the day! Rochesterians are fortunate to have an average 4.1-mile commute to work, which is about 25 minutes by bike at a casual pace. To thank people cycling to work on May 19th, Reconnect Rochester will have munchies to share and celebrate those who get to work on two wheels. Swing by, fuel up, and talk cycling with our dedicated team. Contact: Jesse Peers, jesse@reconnectrochester.org.
7pm: Little Shop of Hoarders Social Ride (447 Monroe Ave)
Join Monika, owner of The Little Shop of Hoarders, for a fun, no-drop road ride. Event details and route will be listed on https://www.facebook.com/littleshopofhoardersRochester. Meet at 6:45pm for a 7pm rollout. Contact: Monika Ludwinek shophoarders.com.
Saturday, May 20
12:45pm: Rochester Gravel Collective – Social Ride and Chat (Genesee Valley Park – Roundhouse Pavilion)
Join RGC for a no-drop, casual paced ride along the Riverway trail! They’ll have giveaways and their ride leaders are happy to answer any questions you may have about gravel biking. The Gravel Collective’s vision is to build a gravel community centering historically excluded groups that may identify as FTWNB, BIPOC, and para-athletes. Their mission is to reduce barriers and make gravel cycling more accessible for all. Meet at 12:45pm for a 1pm rollout. More details and route coming soon at instagram.com/rochester.gravel.collective. Contact: Joanna Prescott joanna@thegravelcollective.com.
Sunday, May 21
10:45am: Keeping It Classy Cycling Club (KICCC) Flower Pedal Populaire (Parcel 5, 285 E Main Street)
Rochester Bike Week 2023 culminates with this 10-13 mile fancy-summery-dress themed ride, which will depart at 11am and take a leisurely pace through and around the city. Plan for a picnic afterward in one of our lovely local parks and for fun with local cyclists! For more details, check out facebook.com/KICCCRochester Contact: Laura Mack lauradeirdremack@gmail.com.
Biking in Rochester: General Information
