Join us Saturday May 11 as we refine the art of making merry on our bicycles, winding through the streets of Tempe, spreading bicycle love. You don’t need special clothing or gear, it’s just you, a bicycle, a blanket and a radio.

Your blanket doubles as a cape on the ride and a seat at the movies, after we meander our way to Spokes on Southern, where we can get grub at the pub and catch a film shown by one of our newest collaborators, Cycle-In Cinema.

Meet at 7:30 p.m. May 11 in Tempe Beach Park (the northwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue) and we’ll be on our merry way!

Ride: Free
Movie: Free
A night on your bike with friends: Priceless

RSVP at the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/159369884232081/

Grow it out, stick it on, or doodle on your upper-lip ‘do, just don’t come to the March 9 ride without a sweet ‘stache.

So fluff up your fu manchu, primp your pencil ‘stache and give Hasselhoff a run for his money. This nighttime ride is a chance for all cyclists, young and old to take their whiskers on a tour of the finest drinking establishments in Tempe.

All cyclists are invited. Please RSVP to the Facebook event at the Tempe Bicycle Action Group Facebook page.

Where: Meet at Tempe Beach Park entrance: the northwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue in Tempe

When: Saturday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

How: For more information and to register for the event, go to facebook.com/biketempe

The city of Tempe is holding an open house to talk with residents, neighbors and businesses about two adjacent projects to improve pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities and enhance the streetscape on Hardy Drive between University Drive and Broadway Road and University Drive between Ash Avenue and Priest Drive.

Let’s show up to represent local cyclists!

The open house will be held Feb. 20, 2013 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Gililland Middle School, 1025 S. Beck Ave.

Click here to learn more about the University Drive project and here to see current design proposals and for a form to enter your comments.

Click here to learn about the Hardy Drive project and click here to see current design proposals and for a form to enter your comments.

The city of Tempe is holding a public meeting to talk with residents, neighbors and businesses about a project to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities while enhancing the streetscape on Broadway Road between Mill Avenue and Rural Road.

Click here for more information on the Broadway Road Streetscape Project.

Let’s show up and represent the cycling community!

Time and Location: Feb. 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Community Christian Church, 1701 S. College Ave.

A concert, costumes and endo rides, oh my! Bring your two-weeled beast down to Tempe Jan. 17 for the Mille Ave. Bike Night starting at 5 p.m. in the Mill Avenue District and Hayden Square Amphitheater.

The Mill Avenue District is partnering with your favorite local bike nonprofit – TBAG, of course – and other local groups like  CycleLights and TriSports to put on this ride as part of the Third Thursday series.

Anyone with wheels and a passion to ride is invited to bring art bikes, costumes, and more for a night of cruising and tunes. So, pedal on down to the Mill Avenue District for a night of groups rides then head on over to Hayden Square Amphitheater with some live music by Race You There, seats, and options for dinner and drinks.

Events for the night include:

Tri Sports Endurance Ride –  A 90 minute endurance ride starting at 5:30pm at TriSports in Downtown Tempe. Route will go up through Scottsdale, and return to the Mill Avenue District.
CycleLights Light Ride- a casual and relaxed ride throughout the Mill Avenue District.
Concert and Raffle - The concert at Hayden Square Amphitheater will begin at 8pm, and there will be a raffle for a CycleLights equipped bike provided by AZ Bicycle Exchange.

Prior to Bike Night, CycleLights will be partnering with Bad Mother Cluckers for a pre-ride meal and CycleLights fundraiser. Cost is $15 for students, and $20 for non students. The meal includes 2 entrees, 2 sides, a drink, and a set of CycleLights LED rim lights. All proceeds go towards buying old bikes, new parts, and paint jobs for bikes to send to families in Africa.

All Third Thursdays events are FREE to the public.

WHAT: Mill Avenue Bike Night
WHERE: Mill Avenue District/Hayden Square Amphitheater
WHEN: January 17, 5pm-9pm
COST: FREE

Hey Tempe Cyclists!! Tired of complaining about the unsafe riding conditions, bike lanes which seem to end for no reason, non-existent bike crossing signals, etc. etc. Quit complaining and help us do something about it. 2013 is going to be a busy year for TBAG advocates. There are major street re-design projects for us to monitor and influence, including the Mill Ave Streetcar, University Drive, Hardy Drive and Broadway Road. We also need to follow the update processes for the Transportation Master Plan and the General Plan. And we have our normal monthly committee meetings to attend.

Bring your ideas and your calendar and get ready to sign up to help!! See you at our 2013 kick-off TBAG Advocacy Meeting – Sunday January 6th 7pm at Boulders on Broadway.

The Transportation Master Plan provides the basis for how transportation funding is spent, and what projects or programs the City of Tempe focuses on to provide transportation services for its citizens through the year 2030. The Transportation Master Plan defines the transportation character within the General Plan to guide the growth and development of Tempe. As part of the plan, the City has proposed a set of “complete street” standards which include bike lanes, public transit and sidewalk standards, but they need feedback from TBAG members to support these changes.

To view the existing plan and see what changes are proposed, and to add your comments, please visit the City of Tempe’s webpage for the Transportation Master Plan here: http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=2602

Most cities in the United States create “general plans” to guide future development and investment in their cities. These plans cover issues such housing, parks, and transportation. The City of Tempe is launching its general plan updating process – called “General Plan 2040.” You can learn more here, and to see the last general plan for 2030, visit here. The city will host a variety of public meetings to get feedback from residents about the plan. They will also post draft chapters for public feedback. The city’s bicyclists and pedestrians need a voice in this process.

The first public meetings are being held at the Tempe History Museum – 809 E. Southern Ave, Tempe 85282 on:

September 24th, 5-7pm
January 22, 5-7pm

If you’re interested in joining the TBAG advocacy team, please email me. We will need help to follow the process, attend all of the meetings and review draft documents to insure that the general plan includes a strong emphasis on making the city more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. We will have a meeting (details to come shortly) before the 24th to discuss our TBAG vision and priorities.

You’ve been warned- this year’s Tempe Tour de Fat is going to be unlike any other.And here’s why: The Tour de Fat week of warm up events. Clear your schedule, it’s a TBAG takeover baby!

Tour de Fat warm up events

• Friday Sept. 28th Pedalcraft Phoenix
  6- 10 p.m. ׀ Kitchen Sink Studios Gallery, 828 North Third St. Phoenix

• Sunday Sept. 30th Brett Saks Memorial Bicycle Safety Festival
  8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tumbleweed Park – 202 and McQueen, Chandler

• Monday Oct. 1 FilmBar Bicycle Movie Night
  6-9 p.m. | FilmBar – 815 North 2nd Street, Phoenix

• Tuesday Oct. 2 Tour de Fat Pub Crawl – TBAG Bike Raffle – Pedal Craft Tempe
  7 p.m. | Ride: Meet at Tempe Beach Park, on the corner of Rio Salado Pkwy & Mill Ave
  7pm to 10pm | Pedal Craft: Boulders on Broadway - 530 West Broadway Road,  Tempe
  Raffle tickets are available at Boulders on Broadway or online here: http://www.biketempe.org/events/raffle/

• Wednesday Oct. 3 Loops Ride and MBAA Papago Peddler
  Loops: 7:30 p.m.׀ Meet at Tempe Beach Park, on the corner of Rio Salado Pkwy and Mill Ave.
  MBAA: 6 p.m | Papago Park, Tempe (1300 N College Avenue) end at Boulders

• Thursday Oct. 4 New Belgium Bike Giveaway
  6- 9 p.m. | Casey Moore’s Oyster House - 850 South Ash Avenue,  Tempe

• Friday Oct. 5 MADCAP Theater movie night
  730 South Mill Avenue, Tempe

• Saturday Oct. 6 Tour de Fat
  Registration starts at 9 a.m. | Bike parade starts at 10 a.m. | Beer is a flowin’ 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  | Tempe Beach Park

Event Details:

Friday Sept. 28th Pedal Craft Phoenix

6- 10 p.m.׀ Kitchen Sink Studios Gallery, 828 North Third St. Phoenix

Celebrate the urban bike scene in downtown Phoenix. Mix bike-themed arts and apparel and some deliciously crafted beverages and you’re sure to have a grand time. Throughout the evening rides ranging from an easy spin to more hardcore will be hosted. Free admission. For more information, visit www.pedalcraftphx.com

Sunday Sept. 30th Brett Saks Memorial Bicycle Safety Festival

8:30 a.m. – 3p.m. | 202 and McQueen, Chandler

Bring the whole family down for this safety and awareness event which will include family rides, guest speakers and bike safety education. All proceeds to AZ disabled sports. Visit http://brettsaksfoundation.org/events/brett-saks-safety-festival/ for more details.

Free parking | $5 attendance per family  | $10 per individual for safety ride | $25 per family for safety ride | Tot ride for ages 5 & under is free

Monday Oct. 1 FilmBar Bicycle Movie Night

7-10 p.m. | FilmBar – 815 North 2nd Street, Phoenix

FilmBar will be showing two bicycle movies on their big screen. Ride you bike and enjoy the show with all of your Phoenix cycling friends.

Tuesday Oct. 2 Tour de Fat Pub Crawl – TBAG Bike Raffle – Pedal Craft Tempe

7:00 p.m.׀ Ride: Meet at Tempe Beach Park, on the corner of Rio Salado Pkwy & Mill Ave
7pm to 10pm | Pedal Craft: Boulders on Broadway - 530 West Broadway Road,  Tempe

Join your friends and sip some succulent brews around the Tempe neighborhood. We’ll be stopping at The Handlebar and Grill, World of Beers, and Devil’s Advocate for New Belgium specials. The ride will end at Boulders on Broadway where you’ll not only get a chance to get a brand-new cargo bike, proceeds benefitting TBAG, but you’ll also be able to peruse the Pedal Craft art sale if you missed Friday’s Pedal Craft in downtown Phoenix.

Raffle tickets are available at Boulders on Broadway or online here: http://www.biketempe.org/events/raffle/

Wednesday Oct. 3 Loops Ride

7:30 p.m.׀ Meet at Tempe Beach Park, on the corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue

Get ready this ride isn’t exactly at Tempe Tour de Fat parade speed. Enjoy a ride through town with the State Bike crew on their Loops Ride.

-and- MBAA Papago Peddler

6 p.m | Papago Park, Tempe (1300 N College Avenue)meet end at Boulders

Get some dirt on your tires for this non-technical ½ mile cruise through Papago Park. For more information, visit http://www.mbaa.net. After the ride the crew will stop by Tavern on Mill and end at Boulders on Broadway for another couple sips of delicious mana from heaven, craft brew.

Thursday Oct. 4 New Belgium bike giveaway on Mill

6 p.m. – 9p.m. |A Tempe bar TBD

Sip some amazing New Belgium brews and … wait for it… enter to win the New Belgium bike that will be given away. Just think of sporting those wheels during the Tour de Fat bike parade!

Friday Oct. 5 MADCAP Theater movie night

730 South Mill Avenue, Tempe

On the eve before Tempe Tour de Fat, take it easy at MADCAP with your friends and a good bike-themed show.

Saturday Oct. 6 Tour de Fat!

Registration starts at 9 a.m. | Bike parade starts at 10 a.m. | Beer is a flowin’ at 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  | Tempe Beach Park

It’s like Christmas, New Years, your birthday, and Halloween all wrapped in one.

Remember when simple things like a blanket suddenly made you a flight-worthy avenger or your mom’s high-heeled shoes and a smear of lipstick made you a fearful queen? For one night in Tempe, return to the world of make believe. Don your superhero snow-gloves that allow you to smash your opponents, wield your mighty vacuum hose that allows you to suck out the souls of your victims, this September marks the homemade heroes Second Saturday ride.

Though Batman may be a badass and Storm has the ability to control the atmosphere, this Sept. 8, we’re more interested in your own home-spun version of heroism. Whether you’re SuperJeff who, with the help of his special armor made out of couch cushions, can crush his opponents, or Savage Sarah who’s known for her cave-woman-esque tactics of smashing her enemies heads in with a large stone, we want to know what powers you have within. And what odd things you can bind together with ducttape to make you appear bigger and better than life.

Meet your fellow powerful heroes and villains at Tempe Beach Park, the ride on to avenge your thirst for delicious craft brews in the fine establishments of Tempe. All power levels (on the bike and otherwise) welcome.

Where: Meet at Tempe Beach Park entrance: the northwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue in Tempe

When: Saturday, Sept. 8. Meet at 7:30 p.m., ride at 7:45 p.m.

Cost: FREE

How: For more information, contact biketempe.org or facebook.com/biketempe