May is National Bike Month, when we’re reminded of cycling’s multiple benefits, from exercise to transportation. While biking can be a solitary activity, Philadelphia has a strong community of cyclists who host meetups throughout the city for riders to safely cycle together. If you’re looking for a group near you to explore with, here are a few local clubs.
Philly Bike Train
Have you ever heard of a walking school bus, where a group of students walks to school with chaperones? Similar to that concept, bike trains consist of cyclists commuting together to jobs, school, or other destinations. Philly Bike Train has six main routes around the city, with riders meeting up weekly.
Wednesday Night Rides
Riding your bike at night can be intimidating due to lower visibility and other dangers. But just because it’s dark out doesn’t mean you can’t go out. Wednesday Night Rides organizes biweekly social bike rides throughout the city. Interested cyclists can learn about an upcoming ride and the designated route on the organization’s website and social media channels. The miles vary with each ride, and routes will note their difficulty levels.
Northwest Night Rides
Similar to Wednesday Night Rides, this group hosts evening social bike rides but focuses on Northwest Philadelphia. Riders meet up every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Upcoming dates and routes are posted on Instagram and Threads.
Philly Bike Party
Sometimes, to get people out of the house, you need to come up with a good theme. Philly Bike Party leans into its name by organizing monthly themed bike rides. Past themes have centered on Earth Day, the spring equinox, and Valentine’s Day. Riders meet at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps at 8 p.m. and head out at 8:30 p.m.
RAR Philadelphia
Radical Adventure Riders promotes gender inclusivity and racial equity in biking and the great outdoors. The Philadelphia chapter has organized bike campouts, picnic rides, and “carb crawls” to local bakeries. The group also runs a gear library, sharing bike bags and camping equipment.
Learn to Bike
Want to join these groups but don’t know how to ride a bike? Adults and kids alike can practice biking in Hunting Park’s Lil’ Philly Safety Village. And the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition hosts two-hour adult learn-to-ride class every month at Lloyd Hall along Boathouse Row – the next session is June 6.
