Enjoying Summer by Bike

Editors: This story was originally published in Issue 164 of our quarterly Tube Times magazine, one of many perks of membership in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

This Bike to Work Day was the biggest we’ve ever celebrated, and as I now look back on the day, I remember Interim Mayor Mark Farrell’s words on the steps of City Hall: “Every day can be like this.”

For many of us, every day is already Bike to Work Day. We bike not only to work, but to school, to shop, to parks and beyond. Still, we are all different people before we get on the saddle and we bike for a variety of reasons. But I know that everyone who bikes experiences at least one thing in common: the joy that comes with bicycling.

In fact, we even formalized “joy” as a core value of our organization in our strategic plan. We celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy way to get around and connect with each other and our communities.

There’s an inherent joy that comes with biking as a way of getting around, whether you’re flying past a line of cars in traffic as you’re riding in a protected bike lane or, if you’re like me, shouting “Hello, friends!” as I bike by the Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park every day.

But there’s also joy in connecting with community by bike. I discover new shops, restaurants and parks on the regular. I meet so, so many people in the bike lane, on a bike ride, at an SF Bicycle Coalition event or even just through the very chatty bike community on Twitter.

So join me in celebrating the joy of biking at one of these events this summer. Better yet, invite a friend to go pedaling together. Every ride you take is building community and making San Francisco a better city.

Can we watch your bike? We’re offering free Valet Bike Parking at these events throughout the summer:

Flower Piano, July 7-8 & 14-15 11:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wander Golden Gate Park’s beautiful Botanical Garden and discover music streaming from pianos throughout the park. You can even tickle the ivories yourself!

Presidio Picnic, Every Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm 
Haven’t been yet? The Presidio Trust and Off the Grid know how to throw a killer picnic, complete with just about every food truck the heart could desire.

Giro Di San Francisco, Sept. 3
You don’t need to go to Europe for a front-row seat at a bike race. Since 1975, this thrilling, criterium-type event has showcased the competitive side of cycling. It’s open to a range of riders.

Folsom Street Fair, Sept. 30 
There is a little (or big?) something for everyone at SF’s leatherfest in the street.

SF Street Food Festival, Oct. 13, 10:30 am – 8:00 pm 
People who bike love food, and when you get there by bike, you can justify trying everything! Check out the Street Food festival to experience treats from around the world.

San Francisco Giants
Don’t forget that we’re offering free Valet Bicycle Parking at every home game all season long!

Become a member and you'll improve your commute and get discounts at shops across the city.