Des Moines Bike Safety and Fun
May is National Bike Month. Summer is the perfect time to get out as a family and go on a bike ride. Central Iowa offers many family bike rides, adult rides, and tons of trails. There are also several bike shops in the area where you can visit to ask questions about biking safety, trails or to buy a new bike. Here are a few family rides and bike shops in our area.
Bike Shops
- Barr Bike & Fitness: 515-223-6111; 1710 NW 86th Street, Clive
- Beaverdale Bicycles: 515-274-9626; 2706 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines
- Bike World: 515-255-7047; 6600 Douglas Avenue, Urbandale
- Bike World: 515-222-1880; 5003 EP True Parkway, West Des Moines
- Des Moines Bicycle Collective: 515-288-8022; 506 E 6th Street #100, Des Moines
- Kyle’s Bikes: 515-965-0333; 1840 SW White Birch Circle, Ankeny
- Rasmussen Bicycle Shop: 515-277-2636; 301 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
- REI: 515-221-1938; 5901 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Des Moines Mayor’s Annual Ride + Run
Saturday, April 21
Run at 9 a.m. or Ride at 10 a.m.
On April 21st, join the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department for the 2018 Mayor’s Annual Ride and Run for Trails (MARR). Bike World, Captain Roy’s, Confluence Brewing, Fleet Feet Sports, Iowa Cubs, Iowa Taproom and Saints Pub and Patio Beaverdale will co-sponsor the event and Mayor Frank Cownie will lead the ride assisted by The DM Register’s Dream Team. In addition to the ride, the Park and Recreation Department will once again offer a 5k run/walk to the day’s events. Proceeds for both events will go towards area trail improvement.
This year’s MARR festivities will include a pre-ride breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Richard A. Clark Municipal Services Center (starting line) and a drawing for a bike, valued at $600 and donated by Bike World.This year’s ride will consist of one 24-mile route.
Earth Day Bike + Cache
Sunday, April 22
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Chichaqua Valley Trailhead
A biking and geocaching adventure! Meet at the Chichaqua Valley Trail be ready to bike a few miles as we search for geocaches hidden near the trail. FREE. No registration required. Download the free app “c:geo” or “Geocaching” on your smart phone before you arrive. We will also have GPS units available. Meet at the Trailhead on NE 88th St., south of Hwy 65.
Safe Kids Day
Saturday, April 28
9 to 11 a.m.
UnityPoint Pediatrics Clinic
Safe Kids Day at UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics-Walnut Creek. There will be activities for your children to learn about staying safe at home and on the go. Bring a bicycle for the bike rodeo, tour the Fire Safety House and meet West Des Moines Emergency Medical Services personnel. 9 to 11 a.m. For questions contact Walnut Creek at 515-224-4993.
Clive’s Bike + Book Contest
May 1st – May 31st
For all ages!
Clive Public Library
Join in the festivities by bike riding with your children to the library. Come in, cool off and check out some books. For each day you and your family bike to the library, during the month of May, you will be entered to win a family prize basket. Only one ticket per family, per day.
Urbandale Mayor’s Bike Ride
Sunday, May 6
11:30 to 3 p.m.
Meet at Delta Dental Urbandale
Bike Urbandale, starting & finishing at Delta Dental in Urbandale. Registration & Lunch: 11:30 am – 12:45 pm; Ride begins at 1 pm with 3 route options utilizing a “popup” protected bike lane. Kids activities including a bike rodeo, safety tips and obstacle route around the pond. Following the ride join us for root beer floats. Your registration fee includes a great pancake brunch, t-shirt and pre & post ride activities. Proceeds will benefit programs for youth in need in Urbandale. Click link above to register!
Johnston Mayor’s Bike Ride
Friday, May 11
12 p.m.
Join Mayor Paula Dierenfeld for the Mayor’s Bike Ride, a fun ride on Johnston’s trails, beginning Friday, May 11 at noon. The three-mile loop begins at the Johnston Hy-Vee, located at 5750 Merle Hay Road. We hope to see you there!
Mother’s Day Bicycle Ride
Sunday, May 13
1 to 5 p.m.
Art Terrarium
Treat yourself to an afternoon devoted to bikes, nature, and most importantly, YOU!
The Bicycle Collective and Art Terrarium are hosting a Mother’s Day event you won’t want to miss. Make flower crowns and pot terrariums at Art Terrarium, ride to Mullet’s to kick back and play bags, and tour the Botanical Garden to wrap up an afternoon of festivities. Families and friends are encouraged to attend! Learn more.
National Bike to Work Week
May 14 – 18
Bike to Work Day is May 18
Communities nationwide participate in National Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day. This is a great way to support the Earth and your health by pedaling to work. Des Moines often holds special events and deals during this week. Keep an eye out!
Pedal the Prairie
Saturday, May 19
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Join Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for a spring bike ride on the Prairie Parkway Bike Trail, our paved and expanded refuge entry road featuring four-foot bike lanes on each side! Participants will have the chance to see bison and elk, ride among native wildflowers, toss seed bombs, meet live animals, hike the trails, and explore our Visitor Center.
Snacks, refreshments, games and activities provided! Like all refuge activities, Pedal the Prairie is a FREE EVENT. Riders and non-riders are welcome to attend!
Both the Prairie Parkway Ride (10 miles) and the Family Fun Ride (1.5 miles) begin at 9:00 a.m. Sag wagons will also be available.
There is no registration necessary for this event.
Bike with Cops
Saturday, May 26
10 a.m. to Noon
Waukee Public Safety Building
The Waukee Police Department is introducing“Bike With Cops” – a new annual bike ride for children in the Waukee Community School District.Children in grades 2-6 can enjoy a safety talk, two-mile bike ride and lunch with Waukee Police Officers! This bikeride is for experienced riders only; no training wheels, please.Helmets are required. $15; Registration deadline – April 16.
Pedal to the Park
Every Sunday, Iowa Cubs home game
Everyone who bikes to a Sunday afternoon game can get a reserved grandstand ticket for only $8, or a ticket and a 20-ounce beer for $15. Deal is only valid at the Principal Park box office that day. Tickets and free supervised bike corral at Gate D. For more information, call the Iowa Cubs at 515.243.6111.
Pedal to the Park takes place on these Sundays at 1:08 pm: April 8 & 22 | May 13, 20, & 27 | June 10 & 24 | July 1, 15, & 22 | August 5 | September 2
