Bike to Wherever Day 2025: Hayward Rides Again

Bike to Wherever Day 2025, held on Thursday, May 15, brought Hayward residents together to celebrate cycling as a sustainable, affordable, and healthy way to navigate the city. Hosted by the City of Hayward Public Works Transportation Division, with support from the Environmental Services Division and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) the event featured energizer stations at the Downtown Hayward and South Hayward BART stations. City staff and community members enjoyed snacks, coffee, commemorative bags, and information on safe and sustainable transportation options. 

Hayward Rides: Expanding Access to Active Transportation 

This year’s event also helped promote Hayward Rides, a new program designed to increase access to bicycles and safety gear, especially for low-income and underserved residents. Funded by a $6.2 million grant from the California Air Resources Board, Hayward Rides reflects a citywide commitment to equity in transportation and environmental health and aligns with the City’s General Plan Mobility Element. The program was developed in collaboration with local partners and shaped by community input from over 1,000 residents ensuring it’s a program that is safe and inclusive for all. 

Why Bike? Real Benefits for Our Community 

• Health: Bicycling can improve cardiovascular fitness, with studies showing the potential to reduce risk of diabetes and lower stress levels.
• Climate Action: Transportation accounts for 62% of Hayward’s greenhouse gas emissions (City of Hayward Climate Action Plan, 2024). Biking supports our goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
• Air Quality: Fewer car trips mean less air pollution, improving respiratory health across neighborhoods.
• Fun & Connection: Community bike events foster joy and connection and are shown to be key components of vibrant, resilient cities.
• Cost Savings: Cycling is an affordable transportation option costing much less than driving a vehicle. 

Bike to Wherever Day 2025 wasn’t just a celebration, it was an invitation to reimagine how we move through Hayward. A celebration that doesn’t end after May 15. Make Bike to Wherever Day everyday by switching your short commutes from driving to biking. Through innovative programs like Hayward Rides, the City of Hayward is building a safer, greener, and more connected future, to make that switch easier - one ride at a time. For more information about the Hayward Rides Program, contact Colin Patterson, at colin.patterson@hayward-ca.gov or 510-583-4792.