Florida Bicycle Month Rolls Through March — Local Rides and Cycling Events Planned in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and Beyond
March is officially Florida Bicycle Month, and communities across the state — including Sarasota and Manatee counties — are celebrating with group rides, safety education programs, and family-friendly cycling events designed to encourage people to ride safely and confidently.
The initiative is promoted by the Florida Bicycle Association, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to making bicycling safer, easier, and more accessible for everyone. Throughout the month, cities, counties, cycling clubs, and organizations host rides and educational events to highlight the benefits of bicycling while emphasizing road safety.
“Florida Bicycle Month is about celebrating biking and keeping people safe,” said Richard Garrett, President of the Florida Bicycle Association. “When we design safer streets and everyone travels predictably, we save lives.”
Across Florida, cyclists of all experience levels are invited to participate in organized rides, tune up their bikes, wear properly fitted helmets, and brush up on the rules of the road.
Local Bicycle Events in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Residents of the Suncoast have several opportunities to take part in Florida Bicycle Month activities.
One of the most anticipated events is the Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, starting and finishing on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Riders will pedal through scenic areas of Sarasota County, including routes near Casey Key and the Legacy Trail, with distances ranging from 24 to 100 miles. The event raises funds to support research and services for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Cyclists can also participate in the Tour de Parks Bicycle Ride on Sunday, March 22, 2026, beginning at the historic Venice Train Depot. This popular ride takes participants through several Sarasota County parks and offers multiple route options suitable for a variety of skill levels.
Local cycling clubs also organize regular rides throughout the region. In March, riders can join group outings such as the Myakka River State Park Ride on March 7, as well as recurring rides along Nokomis Beach, Shamrock Park, and Rotonda Community Park. These events provide both recreational opportunities and a chance for cyclists to connect with others who share a passion for riding.
Bicycle Month Events Across Florida
Florida Bicycle Month celebrations take place in communities throughout the state. Some scheduled events for March include:
- Central Florida: Bike to Work Day – Orlando, March 5
- Southwest Florida: Naples Bike Brunch – Naples, March 1; Bicycle Safety Bash – Englewood, March 7; Pedal and Play – Punta Gorda, March 21
- Southeast Florida: Palm Beach MPO Florida Bicycle Month Ride – March 13
- Space Coast Region: Spring Sunflower Tour in the Titusville area – March 26–29
Additional events are posted throughout the month as cities, counties, and cycling groups continue to organize rides and activities.
A Safety Reminder for Everyone on the Road
Florida Bicycle Month also serves as an important reminder that safer street design and responsible behavior by both cyclists and motorists help reduce crashes and save lives.
Safety tips for cyclists include:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Use lights when riding at night or in low visibility
- Ride predictably and stay alert
Safety reminders for drivers include:
- Slow down and look carefully before turning
- Give cyclists plenty of space when passing
- Expect people riding bicycles at intersections and driveways
How Floridians Can Participate
Residents can take part in Florida Bicycle Month by joining a local ride, bringing children to a bike safety event, commuting by bicycle one day a week, or encouraging their city or county to recognize the celebration.
Cyclists can also take the Florida Bicycle Association’s Bicycle Safety Quiz, learn more about advocacy efforts, and support safer bicycling initiatives statewide through membership or donations.
As spring weather arrives across Florida, Bicycle Month offers the perfect opportunity to explore the state’s trails, scenic roadways, and waterfront routes — especially here on the Suncoast, where cycling continues to grow as both a recreational activity and a healthy way to get around.