Bike Month

May is National Bike Month! It’s a time to celebrate the joy of riding a bike and all the benefits that come with it - better health, cleaner air, and stronger communities.

Whether you ride to work, bike to the store, or head out for a relaxing ride around your neighborhood, every ride counts. The best way to celebrate Bike Month is simple: hop on a bike and enjoy the ride.

Join us in celebrating Bike Month in Washoe County and learn how you can ride safely and confidently.

Information on Bike Month 2026 coming soon!

Biking Around Washoe County

Biking is a fun, affordable way to get around and explore your community. Consider replacing some car trips by biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation.

Find local biking routes, programs, and resources to help you get started or ride more often.

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Bike Safety Basics

Staying safe helps everyone enjoy the ride. Before you head out:

• Wear a helmet every time you ride
• Choose bright or reflective clothing so others can see you
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Do a quick ABC Check before riding:
  • Air in your tires
  • Brakes working properly
  • Chain and Cranks in good condition

For more tips, visit the League of American Bicyclists’ bike safety page.

 

 

E-Bikes: What You Need to Know

E-bikes are becoming more popular and faster - making safety more important than ever. In 2025, Washoe County saw 25 e-bike–related crashes, with an average rider age of 13.3 years, according to Renown Children’s Hospital.

Knowing how e-bikes work and following safety guidelines can help prevent injuries and keep riders of all ages safe.

Types of E-Bikes

E-bikes are grouped into classes based on speed and how the motor works:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; the motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-powered and pedal-assist; the motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; the motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
• Out of Class: Not legal for use on public roads or trails. These e-bikes require registration, licensing, and insurance.

Reminder: Modifying an e-bike to go faster can make it unsafe and may be illegal.

Why Helmets Matter

• Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88%.
• Helmets are required by law for Class 3 riders under the age of 18 and are strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age or e-bike class.

Choosing the Right Helmet

For the best protection:

• Look for helmets certified to NTA 8776, which are designed for higher-speed impacts associated with e-bikes.
• Helmets with MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) offer additional protection by reducing rotational forces during a crash.

For more information on e-bike safety and injury prevention, visit 

Know the Rules of the Road