Lake Erie West Regional Council announces Bike Month 2026 events across Northwest Ohio
Lake Erie West Regional Council invites residents across Northwest Ohio to celebrate National Bike Month this May with a wide range of events promoting safe and healthy bicycling.
Lake Erie West Regional Council invites residents across Northwest Ohio to celebrate National Bike Month this May with a wide range of events promoting safe and healthy bicycling.
Bike Month will officially kick off on Saturday, May 2, at Glass City Metropark, bringing together riders of all ages and abilities for a day of activities and resources highlighting the region’s growing network of bike-friendly infrastructure. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the river’s west side at the new Glass City Riverwalk behind the Fifth Third Bank building.
After comments from public officials and other dignitaries, riders will cross the Martin Luther King Jr. bridge and journey along new pathways created as part of the Riverwalk on the east side. The approximately 1-mile ride ends at Market Hall (by The Ribbon), where inside community groups and businesses will be sharing resources and information.
There, the kick-off celebration will last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Throughout May, Lake Erie West and its partners will host events across the region that encourage biking for transportation, recreation, and overall well-being. From group rides and community events to safety education and family-friendly programming, Bike Month offers something for everyone.
“Bike Month is about more than just getting outside. It’s about connecting people to their communities and creating safer, more accessible transportation options across our region,” said Sandy Spang, executive director of Lake Erie West. “We’re proud to work with our partners to showcase how biking can improve quality of life, support economic vitality, and enhance the health of our communities.”
Bike Month 2026 Highlights Include:
- Bike Month Kickoff Ride & Celebration – May 2
Community celebration featuring group rides, activities, and outreach at Glass City Metropark. - National Bike Day Event – May 3
Bike at the same time as millions across the country on National Ride a Bike Day! This is a free event and registration is not required. Organized by Wood County Park District and The Right Direction Youth Development program. Rudolph Bike Park, Rudolph, OH. 1-3 p.m. - EcoFest Toledo – May 9
Celebrating sustainability, innovation, and community.10 a.m.-2p.m. Market Hall inside Glass City Metropark. Enjoy engaging workshops and unique shopping. Family-friendly and free admission. https://www.lucascountygreen.c... - National Bike to Work Day – May 15
A community bike commute between Olander Park in Sylvania and Downtown Toledo from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and again from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Riders will travel a planned, low‑traffic route at a relaxed 10–12 mph pace, with pick‑up points in Sylvania, at The University of Toledo, and downtown. All riders and bikes are welcome, including e‑bikes and e‑scooters. The morning ride ends with coffee and food trucks at One Government Center, and the return trip departs downtown at 4:45 p.m. - Outdoor Discovery Day – May 16
Step into nature and discover all of the activities Metroparks has to offer to get you outside this season. This event launches a new collaborative campaign between Metroparks Toledo and Mercy Health that promotes the power of parks in improving the community’s mental and physical well-being. Side Cut Metropark, noon-4 p.m. - Ride of Silence – May 21
The Ride of Silence is an international event honoring cyclists who have been injured or killed, raising awareness of bicycle safety and riders’ rights on public roads. Local rides in Toledo and Bowling Green will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 (arrive by 6:30–6:45 p.m.), are free and open to the public; helmets are required.
Additional events hosted by regional partners, including trail rides, educational programs, and guided tours, will take place throughout the month.
Bike Month is coordinated annually to encourage residents to consider biking as a viable option for short trips, commuting, and recreation. Many trips in the region are short enough to be completed by bike, offering benefits for reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.
A full schedule of events and participation details can be found at:
https://tmacog.org/transportation/active-transportation/bikemonth
About Lake Erie West Regional Council
At Lake Erie West, we’re dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone by empowering connection. Our region, made up of unique communities big and small, is connected by waterways, roadways, and pathways that extend beyond municipal lines. United by more than just geography, we're partnering around shared goals to make meaningful improvements in environmental health, transportation networks, and economic development. By tackling challenges, uncovering opportunities, and creating strategic initiatives, we drive real change. When we unlock the power of collaboration, we amplify our impact and move our region forward.