May is National Bike Month, and communities across North Texas are gearing up for a series of events aimed at promoting cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable mode of transportation.
Bike and Roll to School Day on May 7 kicks off the celebration, encouraging students, families, school staff, and community members to walk, bike, or roll to school in support of active lifestyles.
National Bike to Work Week runs from May 12 to 18, with Bike to Work Day officially observed on Friday, May 16. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is encouraging commuters to leave the car at home for a day—or the whole week—and try biking to work or combining biking with public transit.
To celebrate Bike to Work Day, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will host events with free snacks and giveaways at the following light rail stations:
-
Akard Station (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) – Downtown Dallas
-
Lake June Station (4–6 p.m.) – Dallas
-
Southwestern Medical District/Parkland Station (4–6 p.m.) – Dallas
-
CityLine Bush Station (4–6 p.m.) – Richardson
-
Parker Road Station (4–6 p.m.) – Plano
-
Downtown Irving Station (4–6 p.m.) – Irving
Residents who can't bike the full commute are encouraged to ride to a nearby transit stop. Bikes are allowed on buses and trains across the region’s public transportation systems.
For recreational cyclists, the Dallas-Fort Worth region features nearly 1,100 miles of existing trails, with more being added through ongoing development. Designated on-street bikeways also connect neighborhoods to key destinations like schools and workplaces. Discover more about the current and planned bicycle trails across the region on NCTCOG’s DFW Trails webpage.
“Whether exploring a trail for the first time or participating in Bike to Work Day, North Texans are encouraged to be active in May and throughout the year,” said Kevin Kokes, program manager for land-use and mobility options at NCTCOG.
To support bike safety, NCTCOG’s Look Out Texans campaign shares 21 safety tips for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. Tips include riding in the direction of traffic, signaling turns, and staying as far right as possible when sharing roads.
NCTCOG is also inviting residents to participate in the Regional Bicycle Safety Survey, aimed at shaping future projects and improving roadway safety. Participants can complete the survey at PublicInput.com/BikeSafety for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. The survey takes 5–10 minutes to complete.
For more information on Bike Month, plus safety tips to follow when preparing for a bicycle commute, visit NCTCOG.org/biketowork. North Texans who participate in Bike to Work Day are encouraged to record their commutes using the free Try Parking It app, available for download on Apple and Android devices. Learn more about the program, including opportunities to earn rewards, at TryParkingIt.com.
