***Some major events are listed below, more events can be found at: reconnectrochester.org/bikeweek***
The cycling season in Rochester continues with
Bike Week 2022, spanning two consecutive weekends, from May 13th to 22nd, 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. With many people taking up biking during the
pandemic, Bike Week welcomes new riders and demonstrates the great community
and infrastructure available to cyclists in Rochester.
In 2015, UC Davis found that we’d see a massive
reduction in emissions worldwide if only 14% of trips in metropolitan areas
were taken by bike. Rochester is primed to see many short trips taken by bike,
scooter or walking: The average city resident has a 4.1-mile commute, which is
bikeable at a casual pace in less than 25 minutes. Furthermore, the City found
several years ago that “commute travel makes up only one-sixth of daily trips
in the region” and that these “other trips are typically shorter than
commutes.” With that in mind, Reconnect Rochester kicked off a 20 Minutes By Bike campaign
last year, offering tips for navigating various areas by bike.
“This is going to be a great year for
bicycling in Rochester. Last year, the City added twenty miles to its Bike
Boulevard network. So it really is possible now to bike across much
of the City in a low-stress manner along traffic-calmed streets,” says Reconnect
Rochester’s Cycling Manager, Jesse Peers. “This year the City and County kick off Active Transportation Plans,
which will provide a roadmap for future investments in biking and hopefully
take us leaps forward in terms of connectivity.”
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.
Here is what’s in store.
Also check out
reconnectrochester.org/bikeweek for more events!
Friday,
May 13
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 glow
sticks and bike lights. Gather at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex parking lot
after 7pm; kickstands up around 7:45pm. The ride then proceeds through city
streets and some trails, at a slow but enjoyable pace. Total distance 11 miles,
but there will be shorter loops of 2-5 miles for younger cyclists as well.
Dress warm and bring an extra layer for when the temperature creeps down after
dark. Contact: Jesse Peers jesse@reconnectrochester.org.
Saturday,
May 14
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. Cost: $25 per person. Must
register and pay beforehand to participate: eastman.org/biketours
Sunday,
May 15
10:30am:
Sunday Funday (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square,
353 Court Street)
Join Rochester Bicycle Time! for a leisurely
cruise around our fine city. Explore fun hidden spots that will give you a
different perspective on Rochester and possibly learn some history as well.
Meetup at the park water fountain at 10:30am and rollout at 11am. Contact:
Bryan Agnello bagnello@gmail.com
Tuesday,
May 17
7:30-9am:
Bike to Work Day Pit Stop, University of Rochester edition (Elmwood cycletrack,
across from the main hospital entrance)
Our region’s largest employer is a wonderful
bike destination! Situated along the Genesee River and near the Erie Canal,
you’re sure to encounter some scenic spots along your route. The University of
Rochester earned a silver “Bicycle Friendly University” award in 2018 and had
Rochester’s most used bikeshare station during Pace’s tenure. To thank people
cycling to the River and Medical campuses on May 17, they will have snacks to
share in a safe manner. Swing by, fuel up, and talk cycling with their staff
and Reconnect Rochester volunteers. Contact: Tracey Austin,
taustin7@parking.rochester.edu
Tuesday,
May 17
6:00-8:30pm:
On-Bike Smart Cycling Class, presented by Reconnect Rochester (Public Market,
280 N. Union Street)
Many people like the idea of biking more, but don’t feel safe mixing with
traffic. In this 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, contact Jesse Peers
jesse@reconnectrochester.org
Wednesday,
May 18
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. This slow 8-mile ride with a
police escort aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and government
officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. Registration
starts at 5:30pm. Ride will commence around 7pm after ceremony. More information here. Or contact: Kecia
McCullough BGDBRochNY@gmail.com
Thursday,
May 19
6:45pm:
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 6:30pm
and start rolling at 7pm. 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 20
6:30-10:00am
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 very 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 20th, 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 volunteers. Contact: Jesse Peers,
jesse@reconnectrochester.org
Saturday,
May 21
MVP
Health Care Rochester Twilight Festival (downtown)
The MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight
Criterium is back! This is the second race of the all new American Criterium
Cup in the heart of beautiful downtown Rochester. Bring the family downtown for
relentlessly high-paced racing on a short closed loop course that gives
spectators plenty of access to the action! Grab a beer from the Rohrbach Beer
Garden and grub from the array of Food Trucks! Details: rochestercrit.com
Saturday,
May 21
1-3pm:
Arnett Block Association Bike Clinic (340 Arnett Blvd)
Join R Community Bikes and His Branches
Community Health Center for this bike clinic with free raffles. There will be
free bike repairs and bike raffles for children ages 5-15.
Sunday,
May 22
10:00am-1:00pm
Keeping It Classy Cycling Club’s Flower Pedal Populaire (roundhouse shelter,
Genesee Valley Park)
Don your favorite outfit, decorate your bike,
and pack up your picnic baskets! Meetup at the Genesee Valley Roundhouse
shelter at 10am for coffee and a gracious welcome. Kickstands up at 11am for a
short, leisurely group ride. Bring your mom and dad. Bring your Grammy and
Grandpa. Bring the kids and dog! Just remember to keep it classy!
Biking in Rochester: General Information
