I know that Coronado is one of the most bike friendly cities on the planet, although I’m not sure it’s an official statistic or something we all just know. With California ranked as the third friendliest bike state, and San Diego the ninth most bike friendly city in the U.S., we Coronado bike riders are in good company using two wheels. With May being National Bike Month, Coronado is pulling out all the stops to showcase the bike friendliness of our city.
While many kids bike to school at all Coronado schools, celebrating National Bike to School Day with “Bike Blessings” was a first for the Christ Church Day School (CCDS). On Wednesday, May 9, Reverend Anne Bridgers stood out in front of the church school with a sprig of lavender and holy water to sprinkle blessings on 128 kids, parents, siblings, and community members who were biking by the school. It extended beyond bicycles, to anything with wheels, including skateboards, scooters, strollers, etc. One of the students even road her bike from the Cays.
In the afternoon, CCDS held an all-school Bike Safety Assembly with a presentation by Sherri Mannello, police community resource officer. Reverend Bridgers also blessed bikes as they left campus in the afternoon. School Administrator Nancy Funk said, “We all loved it and plan to make this an annual event.”
Mayor Bailey showed up in a suit to ride his cruiser bike for the annual Mayor’s Bike Ride on Saturday, May 11 at 12:30 pm. Dan Orr, from the Bicycle Advisory Commission (BAC), led the group of 18 riders, ranging in age from 12 to 76, which included Councilmember Bill Sandke and community members. We started the ride at Spreckels Park, went down Orange Avenue, headed over to the Country Club area, then back along Ocean Blvd to Glorietta Blvd, down around the Bayshore Bikeway, and ended up at the Ferry Landing.
Thanks to Flavio Velez for the Mayor’s Bike Ride photos.
There are still more bike events to come. This week is National Bike to Work Week, and National Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 17. I’m told it is worth your while to enjoy food on the ferry ride to San Diego and then visit the dozens of bike friendly stations throughout downtown. There are 100 pit stops throughout the county that include t-shirts, snacks, and encouragement. In order to pick up a t-shirt, you do need to register – click here.
The annual Low Tide Ride & Stride on Saturday, June 16 at 8 am, is your chance to enjoy an 8.2 mile beach ride/walk/run between Imperial Beach and Coronado’s North Beach. This family friendly event, which even allows strollers, is sponsored by the Coronado Rotary Club and the U.S. Navy with proceeds going to benefit programs for wounded veterans and other worthy causes. Last year’s event raised $105,000. Organizing a team is a great way to get friends and family involved. Registration is available at http://lowtiderideandstride.org/
Two other not-to-miss bike events this month are movie-related. Take the whole family to Coronado Bikes to the Movies at Tidelands Park on Friday, May 18 at 8pm to enjoy The Wizard of Oz. The Village Theatre will be showing the 1979 bike-themed movie Breaking Away on Wednesday, May 30 at 8pm as part of the Coronado Island Film Festival’s monthly Classic Movie Series. More information here.
Even if you are not a biker, there are still about 100 days to get ready for the Bike the Bay Ride on Sunday, August 26. Bike riders of all abilities will enjoy this 25-mile scenic ride around the San Diego Bay from Embarcadero Marina Park via the Bayshore Bikeway, travelling though Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City. Post-ride festivities include food, beverage, beer garden and entertainment. Register at http://www.bikethebay.net/.
