According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more adults over 55 are riding bikes now than ever before. Furthermore, the rate of bike use is growing faster among 75- to 84-year-olds than any other age group in America. To celebrate Bay State Bike Week, the Living Well Network has teamed up with the City of Cambridge to offer two events aimed at older cyclists: a bike maintenance workshop and an opportunity to practice urban cycling on Memorial Drive.

“We want all Cambridge residents to feel comfortable with using public spaces and recreational resources that are available,” says Living Well Network Coordinator Colin Barr. Along with a bike maintenance demonstration, the first workshop includes a discussion about barriers to bike riding in Cambridge. The information gathered will help the city make cycling more accessible for everyone.

Improving accessibility is, as always, a collaborative effort. At the urban cycling workshop, MassBike, a coalition for safe bicycling, will offer tips and training, a physical therapist will teach exercises to improve strength and balance, and Urban AdvenTours will provide free bikes to use during the event. Then, while Memorial Drive is closed to automobile traffic, participants will embark on a one-hour ride that will be pure fun.

“Bicycle Maintenance Basics Workshop” will be held on May 11 from 11am-1pm at the Agassiz Baldwin Community at 20 Sacramento Street in Cambridge.

“On-Bike Urban Cycling Refresher Course” will be held on May 31 from 10am-2pm at Memorial Drive. For exact location, RSVP to Jennifer Lawrence: jlawrence@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-4671.

The City of Cambridge will be offering additional bicycling-related events during May.