Bike Prom is an annual event put on by the Bicycle Collective, a non-profit community bicycle organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event began in 2011, started by Bicycle Collective member Agnes Robl. This year’s event will take place on May 30, 2026.
Jonathan Morrison, former Executive Director of the Bicycle Collective recounts Bike Prom’s origins:
“The creation of Bike Prom is rightfully credited to Agnes Robl, at the time I was the Executive Director of the Bike Collective.
“Earlier that year my wife (Joellyn Manville), Agnes, and I rode bicycles to a local woodland creature themed party. Agnes and Joellyn were wearing prom dresses from the D.I. and Joellyn and I rode our tandem (the same one used in all the original bike prom photos by Anna Day). During that night I blew out my knee, my dancing is not only bad but apparently dangerous and I had to get a ride back. Thankfully Agnes volunteered to ride the tandem home alone — in her prom dress. The entire ride Agnes received many cat calls from gentlemen asking her if they could ride on the back — and she loved it!
“Shortly after she spearheaded a group of people to organize a fundraiser for the Bicycle Collective where people could ride around in Prom Dresses — and Bike Prom was born. The first event was graciously hosted by Bicycle Collective Founder, Brian Price. At the time the Collective was experimenting with various other fundraisers, such as the Bicycle Film Festival — but nothing could touch the excitement that Bike Prom generates — and Bike Prom quickly became the main fundraiser for the Collective.”
Photo gallery: 2025 Bike Prom Photos
Fast forward to 2026. We caught up with the Bike Collective’s Thomas Cooke and asked him to reflect on the annual social event.
What does Bike Prom mean to the Collective today?
What Bike Prom means to us today since we brought it back after a hiatus during the COVID pandemic, is that riding bikes, gathering with friends and neighbors, and throwing a fun party has an intangible value that goes beyond traditional fundraising events. I guess this is a good segue into the next question, but it takes a lot of effort from our volunteers and staff, and it hardly seems worth it at the end of the day, except for hearing people say “I can’t wait until next year.”
Is this a major fundraiser for the Collective?
It is intended to be a fundraiser first and foremost, but in reality it is a “funraiser” or “friendraiser.” We do a little better than break even every year, but again it comes down to the relationships we build with people in the community, and hope the good karma pays off later down the road. Our board has looked at other opportunities, like doing a more formal event, but that’s not really what Bike Prom ever was in the past. I think it is an authentic event that people associate with Bicycle Collective, so it raises awareness and a little bit of money from tickets and the Silent Auction, and it’s hard to imagine not doing it.
What else would you like to add about Bike Prom?
Obviously this year it is at the end of May, which is also Bike Month, so a fitting way to end the month. This is a departure from the last 4 years when we held it in mid September. A few folks have asked why the change? There are a lot of reasons, but aligning with Bike Month and the fact that it used to be a Spring event are probably the top reasons why it made sense to give it a try in May.
The work the Collective does is highlighted in their mission, “The mission of the Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and recreation, and a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. We provide refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community focusing on children and lower income households.” Bike Prom is an important fundraiser for that work.
2026 Bike Prom details (follow the link for tickets):
May 30 — Bike Prom, Utah Bike Month, Salt Lake City, UT, Bike Prom is more than a ride—it’s a celebration of cycling culture, sustainable transportation, and the community spirit that powers Bicycle Collective’s mission. Don your fanciest prom duds or costume, grab a date (or group, or come solo) and join a thousand friendly riders on a slow ride around SLC streets. The bike ride starts at 6:30 PM at Liberty Park (corner of 500 East and 900 South) and will end at Woodbine Food Hall ( 545 West 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) where we’ll dance and eat the night away! For more details, or to get involved as a sponsor, reach out to Bicycle Collective, Donna McAleer, 801-328-2453, [email protected], bicyclecollective.org, bikeprom.com
Photos from the first Bike Prom are below.
