May is National Bike Month, a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more individuals to give biking a try. Not only is biking a great form of exercise and fun way to explore the great outdoors; it’s also an environmentally friendly way to get around town. The City of Norfolk has taken great strides in recent years to evolve into a bike-friendly city. With nearly 60 miles of dedicated bike lanes and shared lane markings, Norfolk has many options for bringing more power to the pedal.
2025 marks the 14th Annual Norfolk Bike Month, and the city will celebrate with 31 days of rides and plenty of opportunities to get the wheels rolling. This city-wide community celebration is sponsored by Lime and organized by the City of Norfolk, Downtown Norfolk Council, Hampton Roads Transit, GoCommute, the Elizabeth River Trail and others. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, biking means taking part in a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet and happier people. No matter if you’re a local or visiting Norfolk during the month of May, we encourage you to park the car, grab a helmet and navigate on two wheels during National Bike Month and beyond.
Where to Bike
Bike Lanes
Norfolk currently has 35.8 miles of bike lanes, 31.8 miles of sharrows (lanes dedicated for vehicles and bikers to share) and 11.1 miles of off-road shared use paths. This map of Norfolk’s bike lanes can help you chart your course before your journey to ensure you’re traveling on the safest bike-friendly routes.
Elizabeth River Trail
This 10.5-mile urban biking and pedestrian trail is an enjoyable way to explore Norfolk on two wheels. The trail journeys steadily along the Elizabeth River connecting the neighborhoods of Downtown, Freemason, Chelsea, Ghent, Larchmont and Lochhaven. Along the way, you’ll encounter many attractions and restaurants worth taking a break for.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Pedal through the petals during Norfolk Botanical Garden’s bike nights held April 1–Oct. 15 from 4–7 p.m. With 175 acres and 14 miles of paved and unpaved paths, the garden is a safe and scenic option for getting exercise while immersing yourself in a lush world of botanical beauty.
Northside Park
Norfolk may not have been on your radar for places to mountain bike, but perhaps it should be. Northside Park is a 62-acre public park featuring a skate park, tennis courts and ball fields. In recent years, volunteers from a volunteer organization Bike Norfolk have worked to develop access to mountain biking trails within the park, resulting in three separate but connecting trails for a total of 2.2 miles of single track.
Norfolk’s Bike Shops and Rentals
East Coast Bicycles
Time for a new ride? East Coast Bicycles sells a fantastic assortment of road bikes, mountain bikes, comfort bikes, cruisers, hybrids and recumbents, plus electric bikes. Their knowledgeable and professional team will go above and beyond to help you select the best bike for your needs. Plus, they’ve got all the accessories, clothing, parts and safety gear to keep you cruising in style. Check out their social media pages to keep up with group ride events.
Norfolk Recycle Factory
Giving new meaning to the term recycle, the Norfolk Recycle Factory breathes new life into old bikes by recycling, reusing and rearranging the parts to create custom rides. In addition to used bikes, they can help you find a new bike you love by placing orders from some of their favorite brands. They also have a team of experienced cyclists and repair techs who can help you repair or restore the bike you currently own.
Lime
Perhaps you’re familiar with the Lime scooter share program that provides on-demand transportation solutions to help people seamlessly move throughout their neighborhoods and across the community to meet their daily needs. Did you know that you can also rent bicycles through Lime? Simply download the app, view nearby rentals, scan the QR code or enter a number to unlock, then enjoy the ride. Don’t forget to lock up safely when finished and park curbside or at any public bike rack.
Slow and Steady Bikes and Goods
Occupying the recently vacated Colley Ave. location of Local Bike Shop NFK, Slow and Steady is brand new, but ready to repair your bikes within less than a week. According to its website, the shop is, “A community driven, bicycle oriented marketplace meant to foster a healthier and more sustainable Norfolk by combining the love for cycling with access to thoughtfully curated goods. We aim to create a unique and inclusive space that serves as a hub for bike enthusiasts and the community, offering not only unique bicycles and cycling accessories but also a shared space for bike education, events, and service.”
OV Bicycle Shop
Head to Ocean View to find your perfect two-wheeled match at OV Bicycle Shop. They have a variety of bikes available for test rides and purchase, whether you’re looking for a beach cruiser, mountain bike or road bike. Their team is also equipped to provide maintenance, repairs or a free 21-point checkup.
E-Bike Alley (Formerly Pedego Electric Bikes)
Does your biking need a little boost? Head Downtown to E-Bike Alley. The electric-assist empowers peddlers to go farther and faster, allowing you to see more in less time. You can certainly purchase your own electric cike to go, but if you just want to try it out, E-Bike Alley offers rentals for a full day, half day or 24 hours. Locals and helmets are included with every rental, and delivery service is available for full day and weekly rentals. You can even rent a kids’ trailer to bring the littles along on your smooth journey.
Siren Skate Shop
Whether you’re rolling on skates, boards or bikes, Siren is here to keep you on your wheels. Conveniently located across from Northside Park, Siren carries an assortment of bikes, plus standout accessories like colorful tires, pedals, handlebars, seats and more to keep you on cycles and in style.
Celebrate Sustainably
Want to know how your personal bicycling journeys are positively impacting the environment? Download the GoCommute app by Hampton Roads Transit, available for Apple or Android devices. Participants see how much money they’re saving in commuting expenses, how many calories they’re burning by not driving and how much they’re helping to reduce CO2 emissions. You can earn rewards and receive real-time data on your progress.
2025 Bike Month Events
DowntownNorfolk.org has begun compiling a list of Bike Month events. So far, here’s what’s on tap:
ALL MONTH
Bike Nights
Ride through the Garden’s 7 miles of paved pathways and immerse yourself in beauty of nature. Free with Garden Admission
May 1-May 31, 4-7pm
https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/visit/
Wheelie Wednesday
Smartmouth Brewing Company offers 20% off brews to anyone who comes by bike on Wednesdays.
May 7, 14, 21, 28
https://smartmouthbrewing.com/
Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods
The shop is hosting a bike photo scavenger hunt with weekly and grand prizes, plus 15% off all bike accessories throughout Bike Month.
https://www.slowsteadybikesandgoods.com/
E-Bike Alley
20% off Sena Communication Helmets and ABUS MiPS Helmets for the month of May
https://www.e-bikealley.com/
REGULARLY OCCURRING EVENTS
Slow & Steady Sundays
Easy does it on Sunday morning for a slow ride with Slow & Steady Bikes and Social Cycling Norfolk
Sundays, (May 4, 11, 18, 25) 10:30am
https://www.facebook.com/events/1372125417426928/1372125500760253/
Norfolk Bike Polo Pickup
Bike Polo returns to the LaVallette multi-use courts at Lafayette Park. Loaner bikes and mallets available, no experience necessary!
Sundays, (May 4, 11, 18, 25) at 3pm
https://www.instagram.com/nfkbikepolo
Monday Night Adventures
Weekly 12+ MPH ride, anywhere from 10-15 miles, departing from East Coast Bicycles
Mondays, (May 5, 12, 19, 26) at 6:30pm
https://www.eastcoastbicycles.com/articles/group-rides-pg169.htm
Tuesday Night Road Ride
Group rides for the roadie in all of us. Paces start with an A pace from 20+ mph and distance of 30 miles. The B pace is 18 to 20 mph and distance of 30 miles.
Tuesdays, (May 6, 13, 20, 27) at 6pm
https://www.eastcoastbicycles.com/articles/group-rides-pg169.htm
Super Casual Wednesday Ride
Join Social Cycling Norfolk for friendly, casual rides, leaving from Local Bike Shop
Wednesdays, (May 7, 14, 21, 28) at 6:30pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1273548743849844/1273548757183176/
Thursday Community Road Ride
Beginner-friendly, C-pace road ride that covers 20 miles at 16-18 average mph, departing from East Coast Bicycles
Thursdays, (May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 6pm
https://www.eastcoastbicycles.com/articles/group-rides-pg169.htm
Boom Box Ride
8-mile casual ride on the ERT and bike lanes hosted by Freshtopia, leaving from Newport Plaza on 35th Street
Saturdays, (May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) at 10:30am
https://www.instagram.com/freshtopiava/?hl=en
ONE OFF EVENTS
Peninsula Bike Expo
Join GoCommute at the Hampton Library on Wednesday, April 30 to experience all things cycling on the Peninsula. There will be local bike shops, cycling groups, bike and trail advocates, local organizations, and more!
Wednesday, April 30, 5-7pm
Hampton Public Library, 4207 Victoria Boulevard
https://www.gocommute.org/events/hrva-bike-expo-april
Norfolk Bike Expo
Join GoCommute at The Slover on Thursday, May 1 to experience all things cycling. There will be local bike shops, cycling groups, bike and trail advocates, local organizations, and more!
Thursday, May 1, 5-7pm
The Slover, 235 E. Plume Street
https://www.gocommute.org/events/regional-bike-expo-april-gxast
Bicycling, Pedestrian and Active Transportation Commission
Attend the City of Norfolk’s monthly public meeting to learn more about cycling and walking improvements, advocacy and local events.
Thursday, May 1, 4pm
Norfolk City Hall, 810 Union Street
https://www.norfolk.gov/5355/Bicycling-Pedestrian-and-Active-Transpor
Bike Night at the Virginia Zoo
Put those pedals to the metal and gear up for a wild, after-hours ride at the Virginia Zoo! Cruise through the Zoo on designated paths, listen to our DJ spin dance-worthy tracks, take a break to walk the animal trails, and meet local bike vendors that can help you repair or trick out your ride with wheel-y cool accessories.
Friday, May 2, 5-8 pm
Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby Street
https://virginiazoo.org/event/bike-night/
National Ride a Bike Day
Let’s spend the first Sunday of Bike Month rediscovering that simple joy of riding a bike! You are part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.
https://bikeleague.org/events/bike-month/
Tour de ORF
Monthly, leisurely bike ride on the Elizabeth River Trail and through Norfolk, all skill levels are welcome. Leaving from Smartmouth Brewing Company.
Sunday, May 4, 3:00pm
Smartmouth Brewing Company, 1309 Raleigh Avenue
https://www.facebook.com/events/466885769765612/466885793098943
Taco Tuesday Ladies’ Ride
Norfolk Cycle Sisters take off from Norfolk Recycle Factory on a casual ride and end with tacos
Tuesday, May 6, 6:30pm
Norfolk ReCycle Factory, 4909 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_cycle_sisters/
Bike & Roll to School Day
National Bike & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit.
Wednesday, May 7
https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
Mother Lover Ride
Annual Mother’s Day ride for families, led by Norfolk Cycle Sisters and Slow & Steady Bike and Goods. Little wheeler friendly, around 5 miles and ends with brunch!
Sunday, May 11, 10:30am
Slow & Steady Bike and Goods, 2406 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_cycle_sisters/
National Bike to Work Week
Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.
May 12-16
https://bikeleague.org/bikemonth
Park to Park to Park Mountain Bike Ride
Mountain bike ride of Greater Ocean View with Bike Norfolk, starting from the Northside Park Mountain Bike Trailhead and rolling for around 15 miles
Thursday, May 14, 6pm
Northside Park, 8400 Tidewater Drive
https://www.facebook.com/events/996931978779126
Bike to Work Day 2025
Celebrate Bike to Work Day by visiting any of the 11 pit stops throughout NFK and Portsmouth to pick up water, snacks and bike freebies.
Pit Stops will be located at:
* High Street Ferry Dock, Hampton Roads Transit and GoCommute
* City Hall Plaza, Norfolk Bicycling, Pedestrian, and Active Transportation Commission
* MacArthur Square Tide Station, Downtown Norfolk Civic League
* Elizabeth River Ferry Dock, Hampton Roads Transit and GoCommute
* The Plot, NEON District and Downtown Norfolk Council
* 400 Granby Street, Rise, Three Ships, Assembly, WPA
* EVMC Light Rail Station, Hampton Roads Transit and GoCommute
* Orapax Street & Raleigh Avenue, Elizabeth River Trail, Smartmouth Brewing Co.
* 2406 Colley Avenue, Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods
* 4909 Colley Avenue, Norfolk ReCycle Factory
* ODU Webb Center, ODU Transportation and Parking Services
* Newtown Road Light Rail Station, Hampton Roads Transit and GoCommute
Friday, May 16, 7-9am
https://www.facebook.com/events/2423196571413941
Glow Ride IX
Annual nighttime critical mass ride in the NEON District for riders of all ages and experience levels, leaving from The Plot
Friday, May 16, 8pm
The Plot, 776 Granby Street
https://www.facebook.com/events/2440380539632613
Ladies’ Late Night Ride
For ladies and friends of ladies, a Norfolk Cycle Sisters casual ride leaving from Elation Brewing
Friday, May 16, 8:30pm
Elation Brewing, 5104 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_cycle_sisters/
Norfolk FUN Ride
Join E-Bike Alley (former Pedego Bikes) for a fun and leisurely ride along the Elizabeth River Trail
Saturday, May 17, 10am
E-Bike Alley, 223 E. City Hall Avenue
https://ridewithgps.com/events/356282-norfolk-fun-ride-ert
Taco Tuesday Ladies’ Ride
Norfolk Cycle Sisters take off from Norfolk ReCycle Factory on a casual ride and end with tacos
Tuesday, May 20, 6:30pm
Norfolk ReCycle Factory, 4909 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_cycle_sisters/
Bridge & Ferry Casual+ Ride
Social Cycling takes the Wednesday ride up a notch with a trip to the Jordan Bridge and a ferry ride back.
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30pm
Slow & Steady Bike and Goods, 2406 Colley Avenue
ERT Botanical Bike Tour
Take a casual ride through the Lafayette-Winnona Neighborhood and tour residential gardens, learn about restored wetlands, and enjoy peaceful scenery along the Lafayette River.
Saturday, May 24, 9am
1530 Lafayette Boulevard
https://www.facebook.com/events/502341839579611
Bike Swap
Bring bike stuff for swapping and find gently used bike gear for sale at Norfolk ReCycle Factory.
Saturday, May 24, 10-4pm
Norfolk ReCycle Factory, 4909 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolkrecyclefactory
Ladies’ Late Night Ride
For ladies and friends of ladies, a Norfolk Cycle Sisters casual ride leaving from Elation Brewing
Friday, May 30, 8:30pm
Elation Brewing, 5104 Colley Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_cycle_sisters/
Kidical Mass Group Ride
Starting at Jeff Robertson Park, a 2- or 4-mile ride for kids of all ages riding balance bikes, scooters, or trailers with a stop for coffee and pastries at Chelsea Bakehouse & Vessel Coffee.
Saturday, May 31, time TBA
Jeff Robertson Park, 1542 Armistead Bridge Road
