The Point: Annual campaign encourages people to dust off that bike and go cycling

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and your bike is calling! May is National Bike Month, the annual celebration of cycling that encourages people to dust off that bike, hop on, and hit the road. From the scenic mountain trails to the numerous paved paths, Riverside County offers a variety of opportunities to set out on bike.

Perhaps the most famous of all bike trails in Riverside County is the Santa Ana River Trail. The trail extends from San Bernardino through Riverside County to Orange County, following the Santa Ana River and provides scenic views of the waterway, parks, and other natural areas along the route. When completed, the Santa Ana River Trail will span 110 miles, making it one of the longest continuous trails in southern California.

0524 Bikers Santa Ana River Trail Bike Month

For those a little more adventurous and seeking rugged terrain, there are numerous recreational areas that deliver such as Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside. The park features several miles of multi-use trails for hiking, bird watching, and of course, mountain biking. The area provides spectacular views of Riverside and the surrounding areas. 

Riding your bike is more than just recreational – many people use their bike to commute to and from work. Metrolink allows passengers to bring bikes onboard their trains and is offering free rides Monday, May 13 through Friday, 17 as part of a week-long celebration of Bike Week. Just bring your bike and hop on, no ticket needed! Need to ride the bus? Riverside Transit Agency, SunLine Transit Agency, and bus operators across the county provide greater flexibility by making it easy to bring your bike onboard with integrated bike racks on most buses.  

But that’s not all! Commuters who frequently bike to work can earn $5 a day in gift cards and more through IE Commuter. Get fit, save money, reduce time spent in traffic, and improve air quality – all on the way to work. Just sign up through their website to start earning. 

So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road and explore Riverside County through your bike!