May is National Bike Month & National Historic Preservation Month!
Celebrating Nationwide
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Celebrate Locally! |
Bike Month & Preservation Month are a perfect pair! Our historic neighborhoods and business districts are easily accessed and enjoyed on two wheels, and generally our weather in May is perfect for exploring the City! While we hope you celebrate year-round, May is a great time to be more intentional about it, and to take advantage of the additional resources offered as part of local celebrations.
This May, take part in a number of activities and events sponsored by the City and community partners - check out the events below, and download and share our printable calendars! |
Activities & Events
Click the image above to view a printable Historic Preservation Month Calendar of Events
Click the image above to view a printable Bike Month Calendar of Events
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Architectural Scavenger Hunt (May 1 – 31)
Join the fun in this month-long, city-wide, architecture scavenger hunt. QR codes will be placed on historic buildings in and around Columbia’s historic districts throughout the month of May. Scanning the code will provide the participant with historic information about the site or area and an opportunity to register for a chance to win a prize. First person to register five sites will win. Street Meat Mayhem Scavenger Hunt (May 1 – 31) Follow @streetmeatcola on Instagram for details on how to participate in this bike-based scavenger hunt! National Bike Challenge (May 1 - 31) The National Bike Challenge is hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, and is a fun and easy way to up your Bike Month participation. By logging your miles in May, and through encouraging others to do the same, you can earn points and are entered to win prizes. Virtual Historic Preservation Bike Rides (May 1 - 31) Did you miss out on the historic preservation bike rides of years past? Preservation and planning staff pre-recorded past bike rides so you can follow along on your own or in small, socially distanced groups. Video recordings of the bike rides are available on the Walk Bike Columbia page as well as the City's YouTube Historic Preservation Playlist. Love Your Neighborhood Video Series (weekly) This year, City of Columbia preservation staff is celebrating what makes our local neighborhoods great! Each week, preservation staff will publish a video that highlights community, family, historic details and local businesses in Columbia’s local and National Register historic districts and designated buildings. Videos will be linked online and posted to the Preservation Playlist on the City’s YouTube. Council Proclamations & Mabel Payne Award: Tuesday, May 2, 4:00 p.m. Attend the City of Columbia's Council meeting in-person and join in the celebration and proclamation of National Bike Month and National Historic Preservation Month, as well as the announcement of the 2023 Mabel Payne Award winner! For details, view the City Council agenda. Modernism at USC Walking Tour: Saturday, May 6, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The University of South Carolina campus has a wealth of Modernist buildings. Join MidModSC for a guided walking tour of the campus's Modernist gems including the Thomas Cooper Library, designed by Edward Durrell Stone and local architecture firm Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff; and Capstone House, also designed Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff. Registration required; check out the Eventbrite page for more information. National Ride a Bike Day: Sunday, May 7 Take part in the third annual National Ride a Bike Day, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. Celebrating National Ride A Bike Day is simple: go for a ride - any ride. If you'd like to share your images on social media, use #BikeDay and #wearecolumbia, and tag the City of Columbia too! Columbia Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting: Monday, May 8, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Attend a BPAC meeting; for details and an agenda (once available), see the BPAC page. Lunch and Learn at Richland Library: Wednesday, May 10, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00p.m. Join preservation and library staff in the Walker Local and Family History Center to discover tools and methods for researching your historic Columbia home. The session will include a tour of the Center and a lecture on collections available to assist in building research. The session will be followed by a short discussion with City and library staff at Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits. Presented by Margaret Dunlap, manager of the Walker Local and Family History Center, in partnership with City of Columbia preservation staff in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month. Registration suggested. Outspokin' Bike Maintenance Class: Wednesday, May 10, 6:15p.m. Meet at Outspokin' Bicycles on Devine and build your bike knowledge! The class is free, but spaces are limited, so plan to RSVP in advance - RSVP@outspokinbicycles.com. Mother's Day Craft at Richland Library: Saturday, May 13, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30p.m. Join the City of Columbia’s preservation staff for a fun, family friendly Mother’s Day craft. Come play and learn as you decorate your own faux stained glass window. Finished crafts will make great Mother’s Day gifts! In Richland Library Main, Garden Level. Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 19 Join a group or commute on your own, meeting at the State House (Gervais Street side) at 8:30 a.m. for a group photo and a ride down Main Street to City Hall.
Window Repair Workshop: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm Join Staci Richey with The Committee for the Restoration & Beautification of Randolph Cemetery to learn the basics of historic wood window repair. The workshop will cover unsticking windows, re-roping, and restoration. Registration required; limited to 12 spots. 1623 Richland Street. Friends of Harbison State Forest Trail Work Day: Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Celebrate Bike Month by helping to maintain some of our most highly used off-road trails! Meet at the Harbison Ed Center to volunteer with the Friends of Harbison State Forest for their monthly trail work day. Bring water and snacks and wear appropriate clothing. See the Friends of Harbison State Forest Facebook page for details. Preservation + Urban Design Bike Tour: Sunday, May 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Hop on your bike and join City preservation and urban design staff on a bike tour of recent projects in downtown Columbia. The tour will include behind-the-scene tours of recently completed or in construction historic renovation projects and a look at recent urban design new construction projects. Registration and helmet required. Preservation Happy Hour Meet and Greet: Wednesday, May 24, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. In partnership with Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District, City preservation staff will be hosting a happy hour drop in at Indah Coffee (2238 Sumter Street). Preservation staff will provide quick 5-10 minute presentations on a variety of popular preservation topics. Grab a drink and drop in to say hello! Street Meat Mayhem Closing Event: Sunday, May 28, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the end of Street Meat Mayhem 2023 at Fox Field Neighborhood Bar & Grill with a bike ride prior, details TBD and subject to change. Visit http://www.streetmeat.social and/or follow @streetmeatcola on Instagram for details. |
Join a Group Ride!
Group rides are a great way to build community and get to know other bicyclists. The rides below are organized by community groups and/or bike shops - please check with the organizer listed for any questions or in case of inclement weather.
ONE-TIME RIDES:
Wednesday, May 3, Timing Varies - National Bike & Roll to School Day
Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school - find out more at walkbiketoschoo.org.
Friday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. - Tour de Taco
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for the return of Tour de Taco! Meet at Cycle Center for a modified Friday ride, with tacos and beer afterwards. Be sure to bring a bike light!
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30p.m. - Midlands Ride of Silence
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. 2023 is the 21st anniversary year of this worldwide movement. Meet at Dialed Bicycles in Cayce (1902 State Street) at 6:30 p.m. to line up, with departure at 7 p.m.. See Facebook page for updates.
Friday, May 19th, 8:30 a.m. - Bike to Work Day
Meet other bike commuters at the State House (Gervais Street side) to pose for a picture and ride down Main Street to City Hall (1737 Main Street). Group rides from several points in the City to the State House will also be held - see above for details.
Dialed Bicycles Bikepacking Trip
May 20 - 21
Reach out to Dialed Bicycles on Instagram or call the shop at (803) 445-1242 for details on how to join.
Preservation + Urban Design Bike Tour: Sunday, May 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hop on your bike and join City preservation and urban design staff on a bike tour of recent projects in downtown Columbia. The tour will include behind-the-scene tours of recently completed or in construction historic renovation projects and a look at recent urban design new construction projects. Registration and helmet required.
Sunday, May 21st, 10:00 a.m. - Race to the River
Take part in this annual mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest. Learn more & register at http://activecolumbia.com/
Wednesday, May 3, Timing Varies - National Bike & Roll to School Day
Join a local event or sign up to organize one at your school - find out more at walkbiketoschoo.org.
Friday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. - Tour de Taco
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for the return of Tour de Taco! Meet at Cycle Center for a modified Friday ride, with tacos and beer afterwards. Be sure to bring a bike light!
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30p.m. - Midlands Ride of Silence
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. 2023 is the 21st anniversary year of this worldwide movement. Meet at Dialed Bicycles in Cayce (1902 State Street) at 6:30 p.m. to line up, with departure at 7 p.m.. See Facebook page for updates.
Friday, May 19th, 8:30 a.m. - Bike to Work Day
Meet other bike commuters at the State House (Gervais Street side) to pose for a picture and ride down Main Street to City Hall (1737 Main Street). Group rides from several points in the City to the State House will also be held - see above for details.
Dialed Bicycles Bikepacking Trip
May 20 - 21
Reach out to Dialed Bicycles on Instagram or call the shop at (803) 445-1242 for details on how to join.
Preservation + Urban Design Bike Tour: Sunday, May 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hop on your bike and join City preservation and urban design staff on a bike tour of recent projects in downtown Columbia. The tour will include behind-the-scene tours of recently completed or in construction historic renovation projects and a look at recent urban design new construction projects. Registration and helmet required.
Sunday, May 21st, 10:00 a.m. - Race to the River
Take part in this annual mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest. Learn more & register at http://activecolumbia.com/
MONTHLY + WEEKLY RECURRING RIDES:
(Usually) the 3rd Sunday of the Month at 9:45 a.m.
Dialed Bicycles All-Terrain Group Ride
This 22-mile group all-terrain ride that departs from Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St., Cayce) is more appropriate for intermediate to advanced riders. Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, and in May, it's likely this ride will be the 4th Sunday. All-terrain bikes are a plus, and rides generally include some gravel.
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Cycle Center Group Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a 22 mile road ride with loops into Cayce and West Columbia.
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Rosewood Monday Night Bike Ride
Meet at Rosewood Park for a five-mile family-friendly casual ride around the neighborhood.
Tuesdays 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Urban Assault Ride
A no-drop, more social ride that covers a variety of terrain, generally 18-22 miles. Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Street Meat Tuesday Rides
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) at 6:45 p.m. to ride at 7:00 p.m. on an all genders, all bikes, no drop city ride. Lights and helmets required. Follow Street Meat Cola on Instagram for details.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Cayce Road Ride
Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot) for an all levels and abilities ride with no drop options. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Wednesday, May 3 at 6:30pm
Cola Women Cyclists Monthly Ride
Meet at 6:30PM and ride at 6:45PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. The ride stops at Rita’s Italian Ice near the end! Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.). Follow Cola Women Cyclists on Instagram for details.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Summit Cycles Road Ride
Meet at Summit Cycles (10171 Two Notch Road) for A (28 miles), B (25 miles), and C (20ish miles, no drop) rides.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Irmo Road Ride
Meet at the Irmo Outspokin' Bicycles (7601 St. Andrews) for a B-/C+ pace 18-22 mile ride. This ride is a no-drop, but riders should be able to maintain a 15-17 mph pace. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Outspokin' Thirsty Thursday Ride
Meet at the Columbia Outspokin' Bicycles (3223 Devine) for a 12-15 mile city/neighborhood no drop ride. Helmets and lights are required.
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Cycle Center Beer Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a social 20-ish mile road ride through Columbia and Forest Acres.
(Usually) Saturday Evenings
Dialed Bicycles All-Terrain Group Ride
Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, which usually roll Saturday evenings, but are subject to change. All-terrain bikes are a plus, and rides generally include some gravel.
(Usually) the 3rd Sunday of the Month at 9:45 a.m.
Dialed Bicycles All-Terrain Group Ride
This 22-mile group all-terrain ride that departs from Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St., Cayce) is more appropriate for intermediate to advanced riders. Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, and in May, it's likely this ride will be the 4th Sunday. All-terrain bikes are a plus, and rides generally include some gravel.
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Cycle Center Group Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a 22 mile road ride with loops into Cayce and West Columbia.
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Rosewood Monday Night Bike Ride
Meet at Rosewood Park for a five-mile family-friendly casual ride around the neighborhood.
Tuesdays 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Urban Assault Ride
A no-drop, more social ride that covers a variety of terrain, generally 18-22 miles. Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot). Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Street Meat Tuesday Rides
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) at 6:45 p.m. to ride at 7:00 p.m. on an all genders, all bikes, no drop city ride. Lights and helmets required. Follow Street Meat Cola on Instagram for details.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Cayce Road Ride
Meet in the parking lot behind the Cayce Farm Bureau office (724 Knox Abbot) for an all levels and abilities ride with no drop options. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Wednesday, May 3 at 6:30pm
Cola Women Cyclists Monthly Ride
Meet at 6:30PM and ride at 6:45PM for a 10-12 mile, no-drop monthly social ride for femme/trans/women/nonbinary riders. The ride stops at Rita’s Italian Ice near the end! Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood Ave.). Follow Cola Women Cyclists on Instagram for details.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Summit Cycles Road Ride
Meet at Summit Cycles (10171 Two Notch Road) for A (28 miles), B (25 miles), and C (20ish miles, no drop) rides.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Irmo Road Ride
Meet at the Irmo Outspokin' Bicycles (7601 St. Andrews) for a B-/C+ pace 18-22 mile ride. This ride is a no-drop, but riders should be able to maintain a 15-17 mph pace. Helmets required, front and rear lights strongly recommended. See their Facebook page for more details.
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Midlands SORBA Weekly Trail Rides at Harbison State Forest
Join Midlands SORBA for casual no drop rides through Harbison State Forest. There are regular stops during the rides to regroup, and an experienced rider will sweep the rear to ensure no one gets lost. Bring water, your helmet, and a mountain bike. Join friends afterwards for a meal or pint at a local restaurant. Check their Facebook page for weather-related announcements, and make sure to sign the e-waiver first.
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Outspokin' Thirsty Thursday Ride
Meet at the Columbia Outspokin' Bicycles (3223 Devine) for a 12-15 mile city/neighborhood no drop ride. Helmets and lights are required.
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Cycle Center Beer Ride
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for a social 20-ish mile road ride through Columbia and Forest Acres.
(Usually) Saturday Evenings
Dialed Bicycles All-Terrain Group Ride
Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, which usually roll Saturday evenings, but are subject to change. All-terrain bikes are a plus, and rides generally include some gravel.
Resources |
These smart cycling videos and tips were developed for a nationwide audience, so a few notes regarding local and state regulations:
PRESERVATION MONTH READING & RESOURCE LIST
Our reading and resource list provides recommendations in the following categories:
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Columbia Compass is the update to the City of Columbia, South Carolina’s Comprehensive Plan. To learn more about the City’s other planning efforts, please visit the City's website.
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