May is National Bike Month. Established in 1956, this initiative brings attention to and celebrates the benefits of bicycling. All month long, local bike shops and cycling communities are hosting fun events to encourage more people to ride in Raleigh.

Get your bike right

Before you roll out, make sure your bike is ready to go with a tune-up. Stop by Cycle Logic, Oak City Cycling, The Bike Guy, or The Bicycle Chain to make sure you're ready to hit the road and trails. Plus, Oaks & Spokes has set up free Bike Repair Stations around the city for easy tune-ups and quick repairs.

You can even lend a hand with repairs. Raleigh Community Kickstand, sponsored by Oaks & Spokes, is a nonprofit resource that repairs bicycles and teaches maintenance skills for the Oak City Cares' community during monthly pop-up events.

Thinking about renting a bike? In case you missed it, the City of Raleigh has temporarily paused its bikeshare program. Why? Cardinal Bikeshare is currently undergoing a change in vendors for operations and maintenance of the system. Service is targeted to reopen on Tuesday, May 16.

Roll out to these events

After your bike is tuned, find your perfect bike community at these upcoming events.

Bike Bonanza | Friday, May 5 | 4-7 p.m. | Raleigh Union Station, 510 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Free | Commute Smart Raleigh is hosting this event featuring live music, bike advocate vendors, safety checks, a bike decoration station, and more.
Marbles Bike Rodeo | Saturday, May 6 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hargett Street between Blount and Person streets | Free | Grab your bike (or trike) and helmet for this family-friendly day filled with obstacle courses, bike safety, and art activities.
Bike-in Movie | Thursday, May 11 | 6 p.m. | Oak City Cycling, 707 N. Person St., Raleigh | Free | Join this casual bike ride through Dix Park and meet back at the shop for a cycling-themed movie at 8 p.m.
Brews and Bikes | Tuesday, May 16 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Exchange and Market Plaza, 219 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Take advantage of complimentary bike tune-ups, snag a coupon for free Left Hook coffee, and enjoy tasty treats.
Bike to Work Day | Friday, May 19 | 8-10 a.m. + 4-6 p.m. | Downtown Raleigh | Free | The City of Raleigh Transportation and Commute Smart is setting up bike pit stops with bike swag, snacks, and more for Bike to Work Day; registration is required. Pro tip: Plan your commute using the City of Raleigh's Bike Map.
Light up the Night Ride | Wednesday, May 24 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Throw some creative lights and decorations on your bike to participate in this flashy group ride through downtown; lights are required.

Bonus: On your next ride through downtown, stop by Exploris Middle School on Harrington Street to check out the newest bike mural by Durham muralist Mayanthi Jayawardena.

This mural celebrates movement, health, wellness, and the outdoors through cycling. | Photo by RALtoday