Authored By: The Circuit Trails

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert cyclist, pedaling is the perfect way to explore the trails. Throughout May, communities across the nation are celebrating the joy of biking—and we hope you’ll join them #OnTheCircuit!

Here are some tips and inspiration to get you riding all month long and beyond!

Why Bike Month Matters

Bike Month, first established in 1956, encourages people to embrace cycling as a fun and sustainable way to navigate communities. Biking isn’t just fun, it’s a way to be active, skip the car ride and save money. The Circuit Trails network connects the Greater Philadelphia and South New Jersey region through suburban, rural and urban trails, providing accessible and enjoyable ways to get around the region while on the saddle. Choose your adventure–whether it be a leisurely ride on a route shaded by trees, or going the distance on a longer trail like the Schuylkill River Trail–the trails are for everyone.

How You Can Celebrate

Join Upcoming Group Rides: May 24-29

Join Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) for a scenic bike adventure May 25-26. Starting from Lloyd Hall, near Philly’s Boathouse Row, the ride will travel along the Schuylkill River Trail and Perkiomen Trail to Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. The 38-mile ride reaches Camp Kweebec, where you can choose between tent camping or cabin lodging with amenities. PEC will transport your gear during the ride, making Bikeout a perfect opportunity for bike-camping newcomers. Registration is open with tickets starting at $150 on a sliding scale. Proceeds support the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program. Learn more and sign up.

Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday night? Join NightCycle PHL on Friday, May 24, for their Two Bridges ride #OnTheCircuit. The ride will travel over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, up through Camden and Pennsauken, across the Tacony Palmyra Bridge and ride back through Port Richmond and Fishtown. Event information can be found here.

If you would like to add some pedal power to the middle of your week, make a plan to join Wednesday Night Rides, a social bike ride in Philly that happens every two weeks. Rides start at a variety of locations throughout the city and usually, but not always, end at a bar or restaurant. The next ride is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29. Check social media (Reddit or Instagram) for the details of each ride.

Know Your Stuff

Another part of celebrating Bike Month is brushing up on bike safety—including checking your gear. Did you know that experts agree that helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years, depending on usage, exposure to sunlight and other elements that can degrade the materials. To help you have smooth rides ahead, take time this month to inspect any equipment you may use, such as your bicycle itself, lights, reflectors, locks and tools. Before you head out, prepare by checking out our resources to learn more about gear checks and tune-ups as well as tips for sharing the trail and recreating responsibly.

Share the love

Snap a photo of your biking adventures and share it on social media using #OnTheCircuit and tag us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) Instagram and TikTok. Your photos can inspire others to get outside and explore one of America’s largest trail networks. Invite friends and family to join you, Bike Month is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone new to the joy of cycling.

Spoke Up for Trails and Biking

Bike Month can also highlight the joy of being able to safely and conveniently ride and roll where we live—while also bringing attention to places that are lacking access to this type of active transportation infrastructure. You can make a difference by advocating for more trails and spaces to bike in the region, including by helping us complete 500 miles of trails #OnTheCircuit by 2025. Learn more about how you can urge your local officials to prioritize the Circuit Trails network and other ways to get involved.