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 - and stay tuned to the City of Columbia's Instagram and Facebook for posts on historic preservation and biking in Columbia! |
Activities & Events
Click the above image for the printable Historic Preservation Month Calendar of Events
Click the above image for the printable Bike Month Calendar of Events
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Children’s Architecture Crafts (May 1 – 31)
For the young, and young at heart, Preservation staff has developed three crafting activities that can be done from home. Be sure to share your creations by sending photographs to preservation@columbiasc.gov . Please direct any questions to preservation@columbiasc.gov. 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. Open Streets Columbia: Sunday, May 1, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Open Streets Columbia is back, with the largest route yet! Open streets events temporarily close roadways to encourage activity in our City's rights-of-way. Open Streets Columbia focuses on sustainable transportation opportunities, fitness and wellness, and community pride. This year, the City's Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is supporting the Earlewood Community Citizens Organization (ECCO), the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association, and the North Columbia Business Association as they work to bring Open Streets back to Columbia! National Ride a Bike Day: Sunday, May 1 Take part in the second 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! Council Proclamations & Mabel Payne Award: Tuesday, May 3, 4:00 p.m. Attend the City of Columbia's Council meeting in-person or virtually and join in the celebration and proclamation of National Bike Month and National Historic Preservation Month, as well as the announcement of the 2022 Mabel Payne Award winner! For details, view the City Council agenda.
Reintroduction to Riding for All Ages, Session 1: Wednesday, May 4, 6:00 p.m. If it's been a while since you've been out riding, sign up for this free two-part series on learning how to ride again and get more comfortable on your bike or on a Blue Bike. Session 1 meets at the Vista Greenway/Lady Street Blue Bike station, but please pre-register so Blue Bike can plan to provide the correct number of bikes. Attendance of both sessions is encouraged but not required; the second session is May 11th. Attendees who join both sessions will receive a free Blue Bike Annual Pass and T-shirt. Flower Pedals - A Botanical Bike Parade: Friday, May 6, 6:00 p.m. Take part in a botanical bike parade, starting from the Columbia Museum of Art. Spaces are limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance via this link. Columbia Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting: Monday, May 9, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Attend a BPAC meeting, and celebrate graduates of the Spring Walk Bike Ambassador class. For details and an agenda (once available), see the BPAC page. Reintroduction to Riding for All Ages, Session 2: Wednesday, May 11, 6:00 p.m. If it's been a while since you've been out riding, sign up for this free two-part series on learning how to ride again and get more comfortable on your bike or on a Blue Bike. Session 2 meets at the Vista Greenway/Lady Street Blue Bike station, but please pre-register so Blue Bike can plan to provide the correct number of bikes. Attendance of both sessions is encouraged but not required; the first session is May 4th. Attendees who join both sessions will receive a free Blue Bike Annual Pass and T-shirt. Research Roundtable - National Register: Tuesday, May 17, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00p.m. Learn more about historic preservation and how it can save you money by joining City of Columbia and Historic Columbia staff for a discussion on preservation incentives and listing in the National Register. Admission is free to Historic Columbia members and costs $5 for nonmembers; purchase tickets online at historiccolumbia.org/events. Bike Maintenance & Traffic Safety Class: Tuesday, May 17, 6:15p.m. Meet at Outspokin' Bicycles on Devine and build your bike knowledge! The class is free, but RSVP in advance - RSVP@outspokinbicycles.com. Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 20 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.
Randolph Cemetery 150th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. Historic Randolph Cemetery is Columbia's first formal Black cemetery, established in 1872 and named in honor of Senator Benjamin F. Randolph, who was assassinated in 1868. The celebration will be held at Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington Street, and will be followed by a cake reception and tours of the cemetery from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.; Dr. Bobby Donaldson will be the keynote speaker. This event is organized by the Committee for the Beautification and Restoration of Randolph Cemetery, and funded by the Richland County Hospitality Tax Grant. Please RSVP to RandolphCemetery@gmail.com. Police, Parks, & Pedals: Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. press conference, followed by a short ride/rally around 10:45 a.m. The Columbia Police Department Foundation and the Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation have partnered with Academy Sports + Outdoors to hold the inaugural Police, Parks & Pedals Community Bicycle Initiative and rally event at Greenview Park. For those wishing to attend in support of the initiative, a press conference will begin at 10:00am, followed by the distribution of bicycles and helmets to pre-selected students, and a short family-friendly ride once bicycles have been distributed. For more information, visit bit.ly/ParksPedalsNews. A.C. Moore Elementary Bike to School Event: Friday, May 27, 7:00 a.m. Mobile Midlands has worked with the A.C. Moore PTA to identify and map a number of low-stress routes to A.C. Moore which are all under a mile in length, and these routes can be found on Strava. Registration is not required, but helpful for planning - register here. Bike to School events are a great way to ride as a family and build community. Bike parking is available at the school; parents are encouraged to send their children with bike locks to secure their bikes during the school day, and join their children at the end of the day for the ride home. Friends of Harbison State Forest Trail Work Day: Saturday, May 28, 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. Modern Architecture Tour: Sunday, May 29, 2:00 p.m. Fancy a Sunday stroll? Join MidMod SC for a walking tour as they discuss midcentury architecture in the heart of downtown Columbia. Check out their Facebook event and the MidMod SC website for more information and to pre-register for this FREE event. |
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:
Monday, May 2, 12:00 p.m. - Meat Less, Bike More
Meet at the Main and Gervais Blue Bike station to join a group ride to Enzo's Delicatessen with Blue Bike SC and Cola Town Bike Collective.
Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. - Tour de Taco
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for the return of Tour de Taco! This short, social ride will include one stop, and end with tacos and beer. Be sure to bring a bike light!
Tuesday, May 10, 6:00 p.m. - Meat Less, Bike More
Meet at the Saluda Avenue Blue Bike station (727 Harden Street) to join a group ride to Il Giorgione with Blue Bike SC and Cola Town Bike Collective.
Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - Midlands SORBA Group Ride - FATS
Join Midlands SORBA for a group ride at the Fork Area Trail System in North Augusta, GA - see their website and Facebook page for details.
Wednesday, May 18th, 6:00 p.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. 2022 is the 20th anniversary year of this worldwide movement. Meet at Dialed Bicycles in Cayce (1902 State Street) at 6 p.m. to line up, with departure at 7 p.m.. See Facebook page for updates.
Sunday, May 15th, 10:00 a.m. - Race to the River
Take part in this annual mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest. The race is part of the South Carolina State Championship and Cane Creek Cup Series. Learn more & register at http://activecolumbia.com/
Friday, May 20th, 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.
Monday, May 2, 12:00 p.m. - Meat Less, Bike More
Meet at the Main and Gervais Blue Bike station to join a group ride to Enzo's Delicatessen with Blue Bike SC and Cola Town Bike Collective.
Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. - Tour de Taco
Meet at Cycle Center (1001 Harden) for the return of Tour de Taco! This short, social ride will include one stop, and end with tacos and beer. Be sure to bring a bike light!
Tuesday, May 10, 6:00 p.m. - Meat Less, Bike More
Meet at the Saluda Avenue Blue Bike station (727 Harden Street) to join a group ride to Il Giorgione with Blue Bike SC and Cola Town Bike Collective.
Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - Midlands SORBA Group Ride - FATS
Join Midlands SORBA for a group ride at the Fork Area Trail System in North Augusta, GA - see their website and Facebook page for details.
Wednesday, May 18th, 6:00 p.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. 2022 is the 20th anniversary year of this worldwide movement. Meet at Dialed Bicycles in Cayce (1902 State Street) at 6 p.m. to line up, with departure at 7 p.m.. See Facebook page for updates.
Sunday, May 15th, 10:00 a.m. - Race to the River
Take part in this annual mountain bike race at Harbison State Forest. The race is part of the South Carolina State Championship and Cane Creek Cup Series. Learn more & register at http://activecolumbia.com/
Friday, May 20th, 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.
RECURRING RIDES:
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 3:00 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 at 6:45 p.m.
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. 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. See their Facebook page for more details.
Wednesday (first Wednesday of the Month) at 6:30 p.m.
Cola Women Cyclists No-Drop Cruiser Ride
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) for a monthly no-drop cruiser ride the first Wednesday of each month; follow Cola Women Cyclists on Instagram or join their Facebook group 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. 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.
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.
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Dutch Fork Road Ride
Meet at Dutch Fork Middle School (1528 Old Tamah Road) for a roughly 40-mile road ride. See their Facebook page for more details.
(Usually) Saturday Evenings
Dialed Bicycles Group Ride
Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, which usually roll Saturday evenings, but are subject to change.
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 3:00 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 at 6:45 p.m.
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. 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. See their Facebook page for more details.
Wednesday (first Wednesday of the Month) at 6:30 p.m.
Cola Women Cyclists No-Drop Cruiser Ride
Meet at Cola Town Bike Collective (711 Elmwood) for a monthly no-drop cruiser ride the first Wednesday of each month; follow Cola Women Cyclists on Instagram or join their Facebook group 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. 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.
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.
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Tri-City Cyclers Dutch Fork Road Ride
Meet at Dutch Fork Middle School (1528 Old Tamah Road) for a roughly 40-mile road ride. See their Facebook page for more details.
(Usually) Saturday Evenings
Dialed Bicycles Group Ride
Follow Dialed Bicycles on Instagram for details on their group rides, which usually roll Saturday evenings, but are subject to change.
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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