Rollin’ around the river

Every time May comes around, those bubbly lyrics from Queen’s “Bicycle Race” pop into my head: “I want to ride my bicycle / I want to ride my bike / I want to ride my bicycle / I want to ride it where I like.”

Yes, another May Is Bike Month celebration arrives this week, the eighth incarnation of the annual regionwide event. The event is more of a series of events than a single event. It could even better be described as a multiregion initiative to get people on bikes, promote bike culture and challenge citizens to ride as much as possible. Online, participants can pledge to ride miles, keep a log of miles covered during the month, find events and enter to win prizes. There are even team challenges where businesses and groups can compete to ride the most miles. Check out www.mayisbikemonth.com for the full details, but just to get you started, here are three events happening this week to help kick off the month.

1. Bike Month kickoff

This mini bike festival in Fremont Park officially kicks off the month. It will feature informational presentations on how to pick a bike, how to fix a flat tire and how to lock your bike properly. A few local bike shops will be on hand for free safety inspections. Coincidentally, it’s the first day of the seasonal Fremont Park farmers market, so you can shop for fresh produce while you’re there. Tuesday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Fremont Park, 1515 Q Street.

2. Bike-maintenance class

Attend this class to find easy ways to fix your bike. Bring your bike to Mike’s Bikes any Wednesday evening in May, and a mechanic will provide hands-on instruction. It’s a great way to get yourself and your bike in gear for the rest of the month. Every Wednesday in May, starting May 2, at 5 p.m. Mike’s Bikes, 1411 I Street; (916) 446-2453; http://mikesbikes.com.

3. Breaking Away

Watch a free screening of the Academy Award-winning 1980 film Breaking Away. This event also features screenings of several locally made short films about bicycles. Thursday, May 3; doors open at 5:30 p.m., and films start at 7 p.m. California Museum, 1020 O Street; (916) 653-7524; www.californiamuseum.org.