Celebrating 30 years of Bike to Work and Wherever Day

Bike East Bay group meets at MacArthur BART for a ride. Photo courtesy of Bike East Bay.

Traveling by bike can be hard: it's showing up sweaty to your destination, moving your body through a landscape designed for cars, locking your beloved bike outside for hours at a time, riding in the rain and avoiding potholes while you consider all that is ahead of you that day. It can be unforgiving, and your peers may not understand. But! Commuting by bike is leaving the office, hopping on your bike and feeling the wind on your face. It’s blasting past snarled traffic with the feeling of victory. It's picking your kid up at school on your way home and hearing their own joy as the wind hits their face. It's a way to survive sitting all day at a desk, behind a counter, or on a computer.

Bring your bike on BART then Bike to Work or Wherever. Photo courtesy of S.F. Examiner.

May 16 marks the 30 year anniversary of Bike to Work Day (BTWD) in the Bay Area, the annual celebration encouraging commuters to ditch their cars and hop on their bikes to go to work. Since helping kickstart the event in 1994, Bike East Bay has been the driving force behind BTWD across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Each May, year after year, they have coordinated hundreds of energizer stations, passed out thousands of commemorative swag-filled bags, inhaled many carbs (shout out to the days of the pancake breakfast at Oakland City Hall!) and rejoiced in a day where a simple ride to work felt like a holiday.

Now, in the spring of 2024, we are in a very different place than 30 years ago, and honestly, a very different place than just five years ago. As we bravely dive into this new world of working from home, returning to the office, or anywhere in between, jump on a bike—because the joy of riding a bike remains. Bike East Bay encourages you to ride to WHEREVER on May 16 and feel the wind on your face, enjoy the taste of a glazed donut at your favorite business, or shuttle your kids to the playground in style (we recommend pinwheels and sparkly stickers).

Bring the whole family out during Bike to Work and Wherever Day. Photo courtesy of East Bay Kidical Mass.

As the event's 30 year iteration rolls around, Bike East Bay anticipates a bigger event than ever where there will be over 100+ energizer stations across the two counties, block parties and happy hours, pedal pools, swag, snacks and a super groovy bag design as a give aways. Join the fun, hop on your bike and may you rejoice in the day, wherever you go.

Bike to Wherever Day: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it Bike to WORK Day or Bike to WHEREVER Day?

A: It's both! Until 2020 Bike to Work Day encouraged commuters to ditch their cars and hop on their bikes to work. In 2024, work looks very different for many people so we hope you will take this opportunity to ride wherever on May 16.

Q: What is the Pledge to Ride?

A: When you sign up, you’ll receive a map of energizer stations, bike offers and discounts and a limited edition 2024 messenger bag. It's also one of the ways that Bike East Bay records ridership on May 16, which makes a difference when reporting biking numbers.

Q: How do I find my closest energizer station?

A: Energizer stations are volunteer community-run hubs where 10,000+ residents will pedal to visit on BTWD, pick up bags and celebrate the joy of biking. Bike East Bay hosts a digital interactive map on their website where you can plan out a ride to your favorite stations on May 16!

Q: What is a Bike Champion of the Year (BCOY)?

A: Every year, each of the nine Bay Area Counties selects their own Bike Champion of the Year. These champions are recognized for their dedication to promoting bicycling as a primary mode of transportation and for their ability to inspire others in their local communities. Nominations are made in March, with the BCOY awarded at the beginning of May as part of the Bike Month celebration.

Q: I heard there was a Bay Area Bike Challenge happening in May – how do I join?

A: Through Ride with GPS, log your rides in May towards the collective goal of 30,000 miles for the 30 year anniversary of Bike to Wherever Day as part of the Bay Area Bike Challenge. Ride with GPS log information can be found on Bike East Bay website.