As traffic grows progressively worse, Miamians are (finally) getting serious about alternative transportation. The city just announced plans for six new rail lines. And because May is National Bike Month, the celebration is bringing citywide attention to two-wheeled travel.
To commemorate and show support for cycling, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is offering free admission to anyone arriving by bicycle. In addition, the downtown museum will host a Cycle de Mayo soiree next week.
"Biking and PAMM go hand-in-hand," says the museum's deputy director for external affairs, Leann Standish. "Working in harmony with the natural environment to create a world-class model for sustainability was at the heart of the design concept for our museum."
To redeem the free admission, riders will need to post a photo of their bike on social media with the hashtag #BikeToPAMM and tag @PAMM on Twitter or @PAMMpics on Instagram.
The building is easily accessible by bike, Standish says. "Pedestrians and cyclists have exclusive access to the most scenic route available since we are connected to the Bay Walk that runs along Biscayne Bay."
The museum prides itself on its green standards, and bike advocacy is a part of its sustainability effort. "PAMM is LEED Gold-certified by the Green Building Council and is considered a showcase example of sustainable museum design internationally," Standish says. Access to public transportation and an accessible location are part of the certification standards.
"You don’t need a car to get to PAMM, and we have made a concerted effort to make sure that people know the many [free] options they have – from the Miami-Dade Metromover to bikes to the City of Miami Trolley," the deputy director adds.
As far as the Cycle de Mayo celebration, the party kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 5. Admission is free, and attendees will hear tunes from electro-funk band Afrobeta, earn giveaways from Yelp Miami, score bike checkups from Brickell Bikes, browse the museum's galleries, and buy Cinco de Mayo-inspired food and drinks. There'll also be free bike valet parking, a bike raffle courtesy of Loco Cycles, a Metrorail EASY ticket giveaway, and other fun stuff.
"More and more members of our community want to be less car-dependent, and this is a way to support them," Standish concludes.
Cycle de Mayo
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Admission is free.
National Bike Month
Ride your bike to PAMM during May and receive free museum admission. Visit pamm.org.