Socialize, Exercise, and See the Community by Bike
Group Rides with SVBC
SVBC’s beginner-friendly group bike rides are free and open to all. We ride at a casual pace, and our trained ride leaders develop your skill and build your confidence in urban biking.
“We’re here for a fun time, not a fast time!” The ride experience is: no one left behind (no-drop), frequent breaks (to regroup and rest), and League Certified Instructors (LCIs) leading the ride to provide guidance, tips, and support!
***If you or your organization would like to partner with us on a ride, reach out to us at programs@bikesiliconvalley.org***
Find all rides and events organized by our local teams on our events calendar
Upcoming Rides
Sat. Dec 7 - San Carlos Holiday Lights Ride
Sat. Dec. 14 - Mountain View / Palo Alto Holiday Lights Ride
Sat. Dec. 21 - Sunnyvale Holiday Lights Ride
In the Works - Check back soon!
Beautify the Bike Path - Stevens Creek Trail and Shoreline with Grassroots Ecology
See Also
Learning - classes in riding and repair, beginner to experienced
Local bike clubs — riding with others
SVBC is always seeking ride leaders:
All of SVBC’s group rides need Ride Support volunteers. If you’re ready to give it a try, we invite you to register with a Volunteer Ride Support ticket on Eventbrite!
If you want to learn to host rides or support others during group rides, submit our interest form to be alerted of our next Ride Leader Training opportunity.
Join your local team of biketivists to host rides under our insurance coverage.
Training includes:
Best practices on the road to keep your ride fun and safe
Gear we recommend you bring along
How to plan a great route
Access to tech tools like RideWithGPS
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 Group Ride Leaders Trainees!
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Looking for a tried and true route? Check out our library of routes on RideWithGPS! Check back for more routes as our library grows!
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Do you love to bike?
Are you an experienced rider who wants to build confidence in others?
Do you want to give time in a fun and engaging way?
We’re looking for a diverse group of enthusiastic folks to help support our social rides! This opportunity is open to motivated individuals, who are comfortable with urban bicycling and will provide enthusiastic friendly assistance before, during and after group rides.
Join our Ride Leader Team! Email programs@bikesiliconvalley.org to learn more.
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WHAT IS A TYPICAL RIDE LIKE?
Rides vary in length, but are generally between 10-20 miles with one or more stops for snacks, water, and engagement with community partners. On average they will be about 3 hours from start to finish.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Free and open to everyone! We do encourage you to bring a few bucks – you never know when that special donut will catch your eye :)
WHAT IS THE RIDE PACE? I’M WORRIED I WON’T KEEP UP!
We ride at a very casual pace with lead, middle and rear leaders. NO ONE will be left behind and our leaders are there to support you.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Please bring a reusable water bottle and a spare tube. Our leaders can help you (and teach you!) change a flat should that happen! Wear comfortable clothing and come prepared to meet some fun, interesting people!
DO I NEED A HELMET?
SVBC does not require those over age 18 to wear a helmet, however, we strongly encourage you to do so (protect your melon!). Those under age 18 are required to wear a helmet by CA state law. If a rider under 18 is in need of a helmet, please contact us in advance. We have a limited number of new helmets that we can freely provide!
ARE THESE RIDES FAMILY FRIENDLY?
YES! These are family friendly rides, however, we ask that there are no riders in need of training wheels.
Mandatory: All riders must complete the Ride Waiver.
Group riding safety –
Ride SMART
Stay alert
– Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and hazards.
– Pay attention to cues from other riders.
Maintain space
– Leave room between other riders.
– Ride outside of the ‘door zone’.
– Move off road or trail if you need to stop.
Act safely and predictably
– Be seen! Ride a straight line and pass on the left.
Rules of the Road
– Obey all traffic laws – stop at red lights and stop signs.
– Ride no more than two abreast when it’s safe.
Think ahead
– Scan ahead – anticipate what others will do.
– Communicate actions and hazards to others.