WORCESTER—Dale Wickenheiser is 60 years old and got into bicycle advocacy, he admits, “selfishly”—for his own quality of life.
But standing before the Worcester City Council Tuesday night, it was clear he’s riding for much more than himself.
“She’s 30 years younger than I am,” he said, gesturing to another attendee. “The kids at the bike rodeo are even younger. They see Worcester and the world so differently than I do… I’d like to think the transportation work we’re doing is really about improving their future and quality of life. Even if it takes longer than we may get a chance to experience.”
Wickenheiser, president of the Seven Hills Wheelmen, member of the Worcester Bike Alliance and a resident of Ball Street, was speaking in support of a resolution officially declaring May 2025 as Bike Month in Worcester—a measure the council unanimously approved.
The resolution celebrates bicycling’s role in promoting health, reducing pollution, improving quality of life, and building community.
It also aligns Worcester with national efforts by the League of American Bicyclists and the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, which designate May as a time to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to give it a try.
This year, local organizers have planned a robust lineup: more than 20 events hosted by 10 different organizations across the city. There are group rides for all skill levels, a commuter breakfast downtown, UMass Chan’s first-ever Bike to Work Day, a kids’ bike rodeo at Burncoat High School, a bike-themed art show at the JMAC pop-up, a book display at the Worcester Public Library, safety workshops, and even a walk for non-cyclists who want to participate.
“There will be something for everyone,” said Wickenheiser. “We’re seeing more of the ‘interested but concerned’ group getting on bikes. That’s thanks to the environment we’re working together to create.”
That effort includes not just community enthusiasm but city planning. Wickenheiser praised the city’s Mobility Action Plan and Vision Zero strategy—initiatives designed to make streets safer and more accessible for all users.
“They will take time to implement,” he acknowledged. “While this work moves forward, everyone needs to have patience, attention, good manners, and even grace as we work to keep everyone safe while sharing our roads.”
Wickenheiser pointed to a framework developed by Portland, Oregon’s bicycle coordinator nearly two decades ago, which divided people into four categories of riders: the “strong and fearless” (1%), the “enthused and confident” (7%), the “interested but concerned” (60%), and those who simply won’t ride under any circumstance.
“What we are finding,” he said, “is an increase in the number of interested but concerned people giving cycling a try.” He noted that many of those residents were present at the meeting—Worcester locals seeking more flexible and sustainable ways to get around. “They’re looking for more recreation and transportation options—a way to live differently,” he said.
With support from the city, local advocacy groups, and a growing network of partners, he believes Worcester is beginning to create “opportunities and an environment for them to do that.”
Councilors appeared in full support. Mayor Joseph Petty read the official resolution into the record, which cited Worcester’s connection to cycling legend Major Taylor, acknowledged the environmental and economic benefits of bicycling, and encouraged greater public awareness of bike safety.
Karin Valentine Goins, a public health professional and the petition’s author, briefly introduced the measure before handing the mic to Wickenheiser.
“This year feels like the year we officially debunk the myth that no one bikes in Worcester,” Wickenheiser said.
And if he and the Worcester Bicycle Alliance have anything to say about it, Bike Month 2025 may be the clearest sign yet that the city is shifting gears—for good.
Visit the Worcester Bicycle Alliance site for more information and events schedule.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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