KAHULUI – May is “National Bike Month.” As an early kick-off to this national event, Maui Bicycling League (MBL) will hold a family bike ride on the North Shore Greenway starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 23.

This group ride is free and open to all. It is suitable for recreational riders, beginners and families.

There will be a trained MBL ride leader at the front and a trained MBL leader who will trail behind the group. No riders will be left behind.

Riders are asked to arrive at 8:45 a.m. to sign a waiver and get prepared for the ride; meet in the parking lot of Kaunoa Senior Center at 401 Alakapa Place, between Kahului and Paia.

If you are parking a car at Kaunoa Senior Center, park in the areas that are farthest from the building, to leave spaces near the center for seniors attending programs at the center that day.

At 9 a.m., MBL leaders will demonstrate basic hand signals and rider safety tips, including an “ABC Quick Check” for riders to learn about air, brakes, chain and quick release safety.

Beginning at the Kaunoa Senior Center parking lot, the group will ride on the North Shore Greenway (protected bike path) behind the airport and stop at Kanaha Beach Park. Riders will then return to Kaunoa Senior Center (approximately 3.6 miles round-trip).

If some participants wish to ride a bit farther, the group can ride the designated bike route along Makahiki Street to “Baby Beach” and then back to Kaunoa Senior Center, which is an additional 1.6 miles round-trip.

All riders must wear bicycle helmets and provide their own refreshments. Also, riding with earbuds (for listening to music) is not allowed on MBL rides for safety reasons.

The ride on April 23 is MBL’s second group ride in 2016. The group plans to host rides regularly for different skill levels.

National Bike Month takes place in May and works to raise awareness nationally about the many ways bicycling benefits health, the environment and communities.

Also, as part of National Bike Month, MBL will hold a Ride of Silence on May 21. The silent procession will honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Details can be found on the MBL website at www.mauibike.org.

All organized rides are free for MBL members. Non-members and visitors are invited to join the ride but are asked to consider joining MBL or make a small donation to help fund the organization’s efforts for more bicycle pathways and bike lanes on Maui.

Register for the April 23 family ride by sending an e-mail to maui@hbl.org. The rain date for this family bike ride is Sunday, April 24.

MBL rides are a fun way to ride safely in a group, meet other cyclists and learn paths around the island. Look for additional updates at www.mauibike.org.