Bike to UNM Day returns May 6 with welcome stations, group rides

The University of New Mexico hosts Bike to UNM Day on Wednesday, May 6, encouraging students, faculty and staff to ride their bikes to campus as part of an annual celebration of active and sustainable transportation.

The event is coordinated by UNM's Office of Sustainability, Parking & Transportation Services, Outdoor Adventure Center, Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, and Health Sciences Center Wellness.

"Bike to UNM Day brings our campus together around a transportation choice that's healthy, affordable and climate-friendly," said Anne Jakle, director of UNM's Office of Sustainability. "Whether you ride every day or are just curious, it's a great opportunity to hop on a bike and see how easy getting to campus can be, especially with convenient options like UNM's Bike Valet."

The UNM Bike Valet is a staffed bike parking service funded by students and designed to make riding to campus easier and more convenient. The service also accommodates scooters and other micromobility devices.

Welcome stations will be open from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on both Main and North campuses. The first 50 riders at each location will receive free breakfast burritos, and all participants can enjoy coffee, bike-related giveaways and basic bicycle diagnostics provided by the UNM Lobo Bike Shop.

Welcome station locations include:

• Main Campus: Johnson Center (east side of the gym)
• North Campus: Upper Plaza near the shade structure

Participants may ride independently or join a group ride departing at 8 a.m. from designated locations.

Group ride departure locations include:

• Civic Plaza downtown (led by Brian Haney)
• Hyder Park (led by Maria Lane)

"Bike to UNM Day is an excellent way to start your day. The low-impact exercise can energize you and help reduce stress," said Miles Cargas, outdoor program specialist at UNM Recreational Services. "It's also a great opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists, local organizations and campus resources while receiving free bicycle diagnostics and simple repairs."

Participants are encouraged to register in advance for Bike to UNM Day or a group ride.

For more information about biking at UNM, visit the Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Parking & Transportation Services, or the Office of Sustainability. Citywide biking resources are also available through the City of Albuquerque.