Thursday is Bike Fest at the Capitol, with everything from bicycle shop exhibits to bicycle safety checks and freebies for those who log their miles as part of May is Bike Month.

“This year, it’s really taking off,” said Marilyn Bryant, executive director of the nonprofit Sacramento Transportation Management Association and one of the organizers of this month’s events.

“We will have a lot of tables with of exhibitors, bike clubs, bike shops and transit agencies,” she said. “It’s a big social event and everyone has a good time.”

Riders who have logged bicycling miles at the May is Bike Month website can print out their logs and bring them to the event for ice cream, freezes and May is Bike Month T-shirts.

Those with miles logged will also be entered into a raffle to win one of three bicycles – a Giant Escape, a Trek Allant and a Detour City Sport – and the event will have free valet bicycle parking.

Giant Escape, Trek Allant, and Detour City Sport

People who want their bikes to be given a professional safety inspection can have that one for free at the event as well.

Awards will be given to the cyclist of the year, bicycle advocate of the year and bicycle program of the year.

Met Sacramento High School’s Bicycle Collective program is this year’s winner for program of the year, and Bryant said about one third of all students at the school ride their bicycles to school, and they created a documentary to encourage cycling.

Bryant encouraged cyclists to come to Bike Fest, held at the west end of the Capitol from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, and get motivated to participate in other May is Bike Month activities.

“It’s a great way for everyone to get out and see what May is Bike Month is all about,” Bryant said, “and some of the fun is the friendly competition between people who are logging their miles – you can challenge your friends and co-workers to see who can ride more.”