Morning event was a part of SLOCOG’s program for Bike Month 

ATASCADERO — On Tuesday, May 17, Atascadero bike commuters of all ages met on the Palma side of Sunken Gardens, in front of City Hall, to participate in Pedal to the Garden. The morning event lasted from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., and alternative transportation enthusiasts were celebrated. Pedal to the Garden was a part of San Luis Obispo County’s Bike to Work Week, which takes place from May 16 through 20.

“The city hosted, what we’re calling, Pedal to the Garden, which is a fun way of talking about a bike event, promoting some of our bike ridership here in the community,” said Public Works Analyst Ryan Betz. 

The event included a Bike Breakfast to thank members of the community who cycle to work. City staff was on pancake duty, while El Compadre Mexican Restaurant provided breakfast burritos, and Malibu Brew Coffee served the coffee. 

“It [Pedal to the Garden] is a partnership with a number of other cities that are working with our San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, also known as SLOCOG. And they’re the ones who put on the county-wide May is Bike Month event,” added Betz. “There’s actually events happening all over the county as part of SLOCOG’s program for Bike Month, but in terms of the City of Atascadero, this is our big event to be able to thank all the commuters that use alternative transportation to get to work, go to the grocery store, those kind of things.”

Bike riders of all ages were thanked by the city for using two-wheeled vehicles, whether they were commuting or riding for recreational purposes. 

The City of Atascadero also had a booth set up at Pedal to the Garden where community members could have a look at the new El Camino Real Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project.

“It’s going to really transform one of the main thoroughfares of the city into a very bike-friendly, pedestrian-friendly project,” stated Betz.

The El Camino Real Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project was approved a little over a year ago and will include a ton of public engagement leading up to its completion. 

To find out more about participating in the rest of Bike Month, try your hand at earning weekly prizes, see local discounts for bike riders, and see the rest of the month’s calender of events, go here.