Great news: Bike to Books is back for 2026! Kids, teens, and adults from Multnomah County are invited to submit their designs into the Bike to Books contest. This design contest in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) started up again last year after a few years away, and we can’t wait to see your art again this year!
Join us in celebrating bikes, reading and community during National Bike Month this May and enter art into the Bikes to Books contest. Winning designs will be installed in bike lanes near libraries in Portland. Anyone who lives in Multnomah County can participate — grown-ups, that means you, too!
“Multnomah County Library is thrilled to continue partnering with PBOT on Bike to Books,” said Director of Libraries Annie Lewis. “We encourage our community to bike to a library, enter the contest and explore the transformed spaces this May. Enjoy bike parking at many Multnomah County Libraries such as Albina and Holgate and much more!”
Bike to Books was started in 2017 by PBOT and the library to encourage kids to bike more and read books. And starting in 2025, the popular bike lane art contest is open to all ages! So join us by riding a bike to a library, grabbing a design sheet, and entering our design contest. Art is judged on originality, creativity and whimsy.
There are four categories:
- Pre-K to grade 2
- Grade 3 to 6
- Grade 7 to 12
- Adult
The first place winners in each category will have their art installed in a bike lane on a Portland street. The goal is to place the winning designs on streets near the winners’ local libraries, if possible. There will also be prizes for second and third place winners — keep your eye on PBOT’s website to learn more when those are announced!
“Bike to Books brings together the creative spirit of Portland artists of all ages, the skill and ingenuity of PBOT’s maintenance workers, and the weird and whimsical fun that makes taking a bike ride through our city a year-round joy,” said Portland Bureau of Transportation Director Millicent Williams. “I’m thankful for the long-term partnership with Multnomah County Library and proud to see this heartwarming, community-focused program being adopted by other cities around the country.”
Former winning artwork has included unicorns, Damien Lillard, a reading octopus, donuts, the trout pictured above and many more. But what about last year’s winners, you ask? Check out the winning designs on PBOT’s website, and explore these librarian-curated booklists inspired by the art:
- Pre-K to grade 2 category: Kitties on a Bike
- Grade 3 to 6 category: Penguins in Portland
- Grade 7 to 12 category: Bibliobear on Wheels
- Adult category: Big Pink’s Big Pink Bicycle Adventure
If you’re taking bike rides around town, keep your eyes out and try to find these older pieces of art!
Want to enter the contest? Get the form online from PBOT’s website right now, or pick up a form from any open Multnomah County library near you. Fill out the form and bring it back to a library, or email photos of both sides to biketobooks@portlandoregon.gov.
The contest begins on May 1 and you need to send in your design no later than June 1, 2025. PBOT will notify winners in August. We can’t wait to share the winning designs after!
There are also many other ways to to celebrate National Bike Month this May:
- Stop by one of our special bike-themed storytimes in May — kids will get a free bike light while supplies last!
- Attend one of our bike maintenance workshops at the library
- Watch PBOT’s video on how Bike to Books art is installed
- Enjoy a tour of older Bike to Books art as a walk or bike ride
- Take a family bike ride with PBOT on May 9 from Woodstock to Sellwood Library!
Our county loves bikes, and it loves books. We’re excited to celebrate both with you this May!
Bike to Books: That's how we roll!, for all ages
In celebration of Bike to Books and Bike Month (May), here are some titles for bike enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy.
