OCTA is gearing up for National Bike Month in May with many events that promote biking as a commuting alternative. They include a resource-packed festival, a substantial discount on bikesharing in Fullerton, a pre-Angels game ride, and a bike-to-work day with free rides on Metrolink for those who bring their bikes on the train.
In addition, those who take a quick online bike safety quiz and pledge to ride their bikes will receive a $25 coupon from JAX Bicycle Center and be entered to win other bike-related prizes.
To kick off Bike Month, OCTA will participate in the annual bike festival on April 27 at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This popular annual event encourages more bicycling and fewer car trips in Orange County to improve air quality, cut down on traffic congestion, and improve health and fitness. The bike festival connects residents with valuable bike-related resources, organizations, and events.
Throughout May, cyclists can save 20 percent on new annual memberships for the OCTA BikeShare System in Fullerton. Those who sign up during May will pay only $60, a savings of $15 off the regular price of $75. The student price during Bike Month will drop from $45 to $36, a $9 savings. Designed for quick, car-free point-to-point trips, BikeShare has 10 stations conveniently located throughout the city.
The OCTA Angels Game Day Ride and Tailgate Party combines two of America’s favorite past-times – cycling and baseball. On May 4, OCTA is encouraging Orange County baseball fans to leave their cars home and ride their bikes to Angel Stadium via the Santa Ana River bike trail. JAX Bicycle Center will provide lunch and bike repair services while fans attend the Angels v Rangers game. Those who buy Angels tickets online for this game can save up to 50 percent.
On May 15, countywide bicycle enthusiasts will join OCTA for a 3-mile bike ride through Old Town Orange beginning at approximately 7:55 a.m. To celebrate cycling as a commuting component, all Metrolink rides will be free that day for those who bring their bikes onboard the trains.
To further promote bicycling on a local level during Bike Month, OCTA has partnered with cities to support various community events. On May 7 at 7 a.m., city officials and cyclists will meet in Santa Ana for a bike rally and blessing of the bikes. The event will begin at the Depot at Santa Ana and end at City Hall. On May 21, in the cities of Irvine, Fullerton and San Clemente, cyclists will ride in honor those who have been killed or injured while cycling. Lastly, a Bike Safety Camp on May 24 in Irvine will teach participants about how to stay safe while cycling on roads and trails.
For more information about these and other Bike Month activities, please visit octa.net/bikemonth.
