Bike Month: Modesto

Downtown Modesto will kick off Bike Month with the much-anticipated return of the Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival, which features the start of the Men's Stage 11 race.  Amy Vickery, the city’s public information officer, said the energy of the tour is very inspiring for others to consider bicycling. For those who want to take it a step further, she said, there are a variety of free cycling events for people of all ages to enjoy throughout Bike Month.
“[It’s not as intimidating] when it’s something the whole community can be involved in,” she said.

In recent years, the city of Modesto has worked to improve it bicycling culture by improving its infrastructure.

Michael Sacuskie, associate engineer and bicycle program coordinator, told Streetsblog there are several more projects in the works. For instance, the Modesto Junior College Bike Path Phase II will begin construction in the fall 2017, as will a rehabilitation project on Tully Road and 9th.

And, he said, “The city is still committed to providing complete street design elements with each and every project.”

Here is a list of Bike Month activities in Modesto:

Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival, Monday, May 15

This festival will be held in downtown Modesto, along 11th Street between H and I streets. The festival provides free race-day activities for spectators, with an emphasis on health and wellness, teaching visitors about healthy living and the benefits of living an active lifestyle. At noon the Men’s Stage II race of the Amgen Tour of California will start in front of the Gallo Center for the Arts. Riders will make two circuits through downtown before passing Modesto High school and heading south to the city of Patterson in Stanislaus County. The race will eventually end in San Jose.

After the race starts, a Community Bike Cruise will follow the official route on an easy, fun ride. It's free, but registration is required; check in at 10th and I streets between 11  and 11:45 a.m. Bicycle racks will be available at the registration location.

Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 18

Bike to Work with Mayor Ted Brandvold. Meet at 6 a.m. at the Village Baking Company & Café in the McHenry Village Shopping Center, 1700 McHenry Ave. The group will depart at 6:30 a.m., ending their ride at City hall, where there will be snacks and prize drawings for all bike commuters. Interested parties can also join the mayor along his route.

Family Cycling Festival & Criterium, Saturday, May 20

The 22nd annual Family Cycling Festival & Criterium will be held at I Street, between 10th and 12th streets, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This family event focuses on bicycle safety and education, and will include bicycle helmet giveaways, BMX bike demos, and a group bicycle ride led by Stanislaus County Bike Club. The community bike ride will traverse the new route from Modesto Junior College East to West Campus, finishing at the I Street Cycling Festival. Two routes, one long and one short, will be available. People are encouraged to ride their bikes to the festival.