Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

National Bike To School Day

Pedal your way to school on National Bike To School Day - get some fresh air, exercise and save the environment!
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

It's time to get your bike out and join the fun on National Bike To School Day! This day, which falls on the third Friday in May, was created to encourage kids of all ages to choose biking over other forms of transportation when it comes to getting to school. Not only is this a great way for them to stay active, but it also helps reduce congestion around schools and keep our planet healthy. Plus, biking can be a lot of fun! So lace up those shoes and grab your helmets – it's time to hit the road!

History of National Bike To School Day

National Bike To School Day Dates

National Bike To School Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of the Bicycle</div><div class='timeline-text'>The concept of the modern bicycle was introduced, paving the way for future biking events and activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bike Boom Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the end of WWII and increased suburban living, bike usage saw a significant surge in popularity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advent of Bike Safety Laws</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first bike helmet laws were enacted, ensuring a safer environment for all bikers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Bike to Work Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Bike to Work Day was established, encouraging not only school students but also working adults to bike to their workplaces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Bike to School Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Bike to School Day was observed in the United States, promoting health, safety, and environmental awareness.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Bike To School Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Ride with the family</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather the family and set out on a biking adventure. Let each family member pick their favorite route, and go explore your local area.  Make a game of it and see who can find the most interesting things.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a bike parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities host special bike parades for National Bike To School Day.  Decorate your bikes with streamers and balloons, and join others in the parade.  Show your enthusiasm for biking to school by joining in the fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a bike train</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bike trains are a great way to get your friends involved in biking to school. Invite your friends to meet at a central location and ride together to school.  Make a game of it and have prizes for the most creative bike.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a scavenger hunt that requires participants to find clues as they bike around town. Make sure to include some fun activities such as taking pictures or stopping at certain landmarks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Form a bike club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start a bike club at school to encourage more students to bike to school.  You can organize group rides, host competitions, or plan special events to celebrate National Bike To School Day.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Bike To School Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's good for the environment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Riding your bike to school is a great way to reduce pollution and help protect the environment. Every car that gets taken off the road helps improve the air quality, which in turn can help reduce asthma attacks, allergies and other health issues.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes physical activity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Riding a bike gives you an opportunity to get some exercise and stay active. Even if it's a short ride, it's still beneficial because it engages your muscles, improves coordination, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Plus, it's fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It saves money</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Using a bicycle instead of driving saves money on gas, insurance and vehicle maintenance costs. It also can save time, since navigating traffic by bike can often be faster than being stuck in a car in dense areas. So if you want to save money while getting some exercise and doing your part for the environment, biking to school is definitely the way to go!</p></div></div>

Discover These 5 National Bike to School Facts

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Biking Can Improve Mental Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Various studies have shown that cycling can help to reduce stress and improve mood, providing a healthy start to a school day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Part of a Global Movement</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Bike to School Day is a part of the larger global movement of active school travel, encouraging children worldwide to bike or walk to school.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Ride Was in 2012</h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Bike to School Day was first celebrated in 2012 with events at 700 schools across the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participation Continues to Rise</h3><p class='facts-content'>With each successive year, more and more schools around the country are taking part in National Bike To School Day, primarily focusing on promoting physical fitness, safety, and social interaction among students.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Develops Independence and Confidence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Riding their bikes to school allows kids to begin developing independence and confidence as they safely navigate their way to school.</p></div></div>

National Bike To School Day FAQs

When is National Bike To School Day?

National Bike To School Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 19

Friday

2024

May 17

Friday

2025

May 16

Friday

2026

May 15

Friday

2027

May 21

Friday

Special Interest Holidays