Discounts

Become an AS&R member and get discounts at local bike shops and businesses!

Blue Heron Bikes: 10% off parts and accessories.

Bikes on Solano: 10% off labor, parts and accessories.

Offers are valid to members of Albany Strollers & Rollers and their households. Tell your friends!
Contact us with questions.

Events

May
19
Sun
Arts & Green Festival @ Memorial Park
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

It’s time for the Albany Arts & Green Festival again!

Our free Bicycle Valet Parking service at the Arts & Green Festival is always popular! photo courtesy Matt McHugh

Our free Bicycle Valet Parking service at the Arts & Green Festival is always popular!
photo courtesy Matt McHugh

As AS&R does every year, we will provide FREE bicycle valet parking, sponsored by Bua Luang Thai Cuisine, so you can enjoy the festival without worrying about your bike.
Come visit our booth to find out about what’s going on for cyclists and pedestrians here in Albany!

For the 6th straight year, non-profit bike workshop Street
Level Cycles will provide free or low-cost bike tuneups, so if you have an old bike that you want to get road-ready, come on down!

Street Level Cycles has graciously donated free bike tuneup services at the Arts & Green Festival since 2008 photo courtesy Matt McHugh

Street Level Cycles has graciously donated free bike tuneup services at the Arts & Green Festival since 2008
photo courtesy Matt McHugh

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP US? ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL GET A CHIPOTLE BURRITO FOR LUNCH AND THE FIRST 15 TO VOLUNTEER WILL GET A SPECIAL COUPON FROM BUA LUANG THAI CUISINE.
We need people to park bikes and work at our table. Please email Amy Smolens to help out!

Thanks, Bua Luang, for supporting our community with your sponsorshp!

Thanks, Bua Luang, for supporting our community with your sponsorshp!

May
21
Tue
City Council Meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers
May 21 @ 2:30 am – 5:00 am

There are lots of items on the agenda that affect cyclists and pedestrians here in Albany.
Those include the following:
*7-1, City Council Strategic Planning Follow Up
Part of what City Council Members recommended in its recent planning session was an emphasis on parks, including the long-awaited Pierce Street Park, and a more bikeable and walkable Albany.
Please speak in support of these plans and concepts!
*7-2, Update on “Complete Streets” planning for Buchanan Street and San Pablo Avenue to improve safety for walking, biking, and other modes of travel. The Staff recommendation is for Council to provide direction to staff and the Traffic and Safety Commission.
Show up and speak to let Council hear that a more bike and pedestrian friendly San Pablo Avenue should be a priority and a reality!
It may also be a good time to speak about your vision for Bike Boulevards on Kains and Adams, making up for the fact that many people will not feel safe riding on San Pablo in the sections without bike lanes.
*8-1, Albany Wayfinding Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Whenever I ride around Berkeley I marvel at the signage that directs me to the best and safest roads to cycle. I am also fully convinced that motorists on or crossing roads with signage for bicyclists are more courteous to their two-wheeled friends sharing the road.
Show up and tell Council that we all need wayfinding signage for our convenience and safety!
If you can’t attend, please consider writing a brief letter in support of any of these items to cityhall@albanyca.org requesting specifically that your letter be sent to all the City Council Members.
Thanks! Feel free to email the Discussion List or any of the Core Group with any questions or thoughts.

May
25
Sat
Bike About Town Family Rides @ Wheels of Justice Cyclery
May 25 @ 1:30 am – 3:00 am
Cyclists of all ages wait in front of Wheels of Justice for the August, 2012 Bike About Town Ride to begin

Cyclists of all ages wait in front of Wheels of Justice for a Bike About Town Ride to begin

Grab your costume, decorate your bike, and don’t forget those bike lights – it’s time for the annual Halloween edition of Bike About Town!
Join Albany Strollers & Rollers and the City of Albany’s Department of Recreation with sponsor Wheels of Justice as we explore Albany by bike on Spring, Summer and Autumn evenings. Each of the events will trace different routes that pass through parts of Albany you may not have biked before. All levels of cyclists are encouraged to join us.
For anyone who doesn’t have rear lights and wants one, we’ll have some for sale at our cost and can help you install

The Albany Peloton rolls down Peralta Avenue for another fun Bike About Town

The Albany Peloton rolls down Peralta Avenue in another fun Bike About Town

them.

We begin at 6:30 at the little park across the street from Wheels of Justice Cyclery, at Solano and Peralta in Albany (despite what Google Maps may insist.)

Come a few minutes early to pump up your tires. Ride maps are distributed, and we take off in a big group. There are experienced cyclists to lead and bring up the rear. After wheeling about for a half hour or forty-five minutes we return to Peralta Park, just across the street from our start, for light refreshments, a raffle, and general carousing.

Dates this year are Fridays May 24,  June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27 and October 25 (our annual Halloween ride!!)

http://www.albanyca.org/Index.aspx?page=1016

Jun
1
Sat
The Major Taylor Bike Fiesta @ Lincoln Elementary School
Jun 1 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

kids-at-mtbf-300x225The Major Taylor Bike Fiesta will occur on June 1st from 10am-3pm at Lincoln Elementary School located at 29 6th Street, Richmond, California.  This will be a celebration of the life and accomplishments of Marshall “Major” Taylor, the first African American professional cyclist.  Born in 1878, Major Taylor had a professional racing career that spanned 13 years and included the world one-mile track cycling championship in 1899.  He remained committed to his passion in the face of adversity and is a source of inspiration.
At the Bike Fiesta event, Fix the Cycle aims to spread awareness of the health benefits associated with safe bike riding.  The fun educational activities for youth and adults will take place in a family friendly environment that encourages cycling.  Activities include yoga, Zumba, the Cyclecide bike circus, and entertainment by Raw Talent and Earth Amplified powered by Rock the Bike.  The Richmond Police Department and Cycles of Change will be running bike rodeo courses for youth throughout the day.  The event will also include helmet giveaways and Fix the Cycle will be raffling free bicycles, bicycling gear, and other great prizes gear for youth and adults.  There will be free healthy food, health screenings, educational booths, and simple bike maintenance repairs while supplies last.  Of course, bicycle parking will be available.
If anyone wants to ride from Albany, please make a suggested meeting time and place in “comments.”

Jun
9
Sun
Oaklavía Love our Lake Day @ Lake Merritt
Jun 9 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO) is proud to join forces with Mayor Quan’s office and the Measure DD Community Coalition to bring Oaklavía back to Oakland.
Oaklavía will close three miles of streets circumnavigating Lake Merritt to car traffic, allowing participants to experience what a people- and community-centered urban space can feel like when our built environment is committed to safe and accessible places to walk and to bike. Love Our Lake Day is accessible by BART (Lake Merritt, 12th Street/City Center, 19th Street stations) and several AC Transit bus lines. More info on getting to the event here
It is a free public event that invites families and visitors around the Bay Area to come out and play, stroll, bike, and paddle at Lake Merritt.
Bike Parking will be provided by East Bay Bicycle Coalition (self-serve, bring a lock) and Oakland Spokes (valet parking.)
Free Bike Rentals (limited) will be provided by Bay Area Bikes. Bring photo ID and credit card. Harrison and 20th St.

Jun
16
Sun
Geared 4 Kids fun ride @ Rockridge BART - at the Rockridge sign across from BART escalators
Jun 16 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Bring your kids, bring your dog, bring your friend who doesn’t bike much. The Geared 4 Kids ride is a monthly ride open to the public, specifically for riders who are new to wheels, pedals, and gears. ALL riders are welcome, so if you’re just looking for a relaxed weekend ride, this ride’s also for you. Come on out!
Our routes will be 4-5 miles, mostly flat, and will stay as far off heavily trafficked streets as much as we can manage. Our hope and goal with this ride is a bike party for kids, complete with music to pedal to and stops along the way to share snacks, play, and chat. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen/raingear.

If anyone wants to ride from Albany, write something in the “comments” here

Jun
28
Fri
Bike About Town Family Rides @ Wheels of Justice Cyclery
Jun 28 @ 1:30 am – 3:00 am
Cyclists of all ages wait in front of Wheels of Justice for the August, 2012 Bike About Town Ride to begin

Cyclists of all ages wait in front of Wheels of Justice for a Bike About Town Ride to begin

Grab your costume, decorate your bike, and don’t forget those bike lights – it’s time for the annual Halloween edition of Bike About Town!
Join Albany Strollers & Rollers and the City of Albany’s Department of Recreation with sponsor Wheels of Justice as we explore Albany by bike on Spring, Summer and Autumn evenings. Each of the events will trace different routes that pass through parts of Albany you may not have biked before. All levels of cyclists are encouraged to join us.
For anyone who doesn’t have rear lights and wants one, we’ll have some for sale at our cost and can help you install

The Albany Peloton rolls down Peralta Avenue for another fun Bike About Town

The Albany Peloton rolls down Peralta Avenue in another fun Bike About Town

them.

We begin at 6:30 at the little park across the street from Wheels of Justice Cyclery, at Solano and Peralta in Albany (despite what Google Maps may insist.)

Come a few minutes early to pump up your tires. Ride maps are distributed, and we take off in a big group. There are experienced cyclists to lead and bring up the rear. After wheeling about for a half hour or forty-five minutes we return to Peralta Park, just across the street from our start, for light refreshments, a raffle, and general carousing.

Dates this year are Fridays May 24,  June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27 and October 25 (our annual Halloween ride!!)

http://www.albanyca.org/Index.aspx?page=1016

Jul
4
Thu
East Bay Bike Party @ El Cerrito Plaza BART Station
Jul 4 @ 2:45 am – 4:30 am

Come join East Bay Bike Party, a big party on wheels!
We had a great first go at the route last week and now it’s time to fine tune it up. Lets do this!.
Meet at 7:30 and roll at 8:00. See you there and BIKE PARTY!

If anyone wants to ride over from Albany as a group, post something in “comments” below.

Jul
13
Sat
East Bay Bike Party @ El Cerrito Plaza BART Station
Jul 13 @ 2:45 am – 4:30 am

East Bay Bike Party Presents the Awesome ’80s!
Join 100+ cyclists for a flat ride around the East Bay with an 80s theme. You can dress up but certainly don’t have to.

This is a rule-following, music playing, rolling party. Ride leaders help direct traffic so you and your friends and family can ride safely. Ride is flat and includes lots of bike lanes and bike paths.

The ride starts at El Cerrito Plaza BART (meet at 7:45 pm, roll out at 8,) and will be ending at Lake Merritt, so you can ride or take BART back home. The two mid-point rest stops are both near BART stations (one is very close) or you can feel free to ride back to Albany from either of the mid-point stops. We’ll make sure you have company!

Here is the code of EBBP:
-INVITE WISELY: If you’re inviting friends, make sure that they think that safety is sexy & know the Bike Party code.
-PICK UP YOUR TRASH: This one’s simple – if you brought it in or ate/drank it, you pack out the can/wrapper/trash with you.
-VOLUNTEER: Volunteer to take a corner and lead the Bike Party through a turn. Make new friends and help make Bike Party awesome.
-COME PREPARED: This is an unsupported ride, so bring whatever you’d bring if you went on a long solo ride. A patch kit, tools, lights, snacks & layers are a good start.
-KNOW THE CODE: If you come out this Friday, this is what the people around you will expect. And you’ll make more friends if you ride safely. Making friends and meeting new people is what this ride is about, after all:

  • Stay Right
  • Stop At Lights
  • Ride Straight
  • Don’t Hate
  • Pack Your Trash
Jul
14
Sun
Geared 4 Kids Fun Ride @ Strawberry Creek Park, near the playground
Jul 14 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Get GEARED UP! Helmets, Bikes, Bells!
It is that time for family biking fun again.
Meet up at the Strawberry Creek Park in Berkeley near the playground at Allston..
Our route will take us along the new West Street bike path and into head north into Albany. Bring snacks to share at our midway stop at a park, and, or course, we’ll have tunes to pedal to all throughout the ride!
Helmets required for kids.
Be sure to pack snacks, water, and clothing appropriate to weather conditions!

Anyone want to ride from Albany to the start? Propose a time and place of departure in the comments section here! Also, email one of the AS&R Core Group to get posted on the Facebook page (and Announce List if you get it to us soon enough.) Feel free to post to Discussion List if you are on it.
Let’s get an Albany contingent going!