Gateway Science Museum

GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes

Visiting until May 7 th

GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes  invites visitors to take a ride through the science of bicycling! Since its inception in the late 19th century, the bicycle has affected how people live, work, and play. From schoolyards and mountain trails to bustling city streets, we encounter bicycles nearly every day. The bicycle is an elegant example of basic science principles and material science. Visitors explore how bikes work; the history/evolution of the bike; the science and technology behind the machine; and how bikes have impacted our culture. Like the bicycle itself, the exhibition has been designed to appeal to people of all ages with diverse interests.

With bicycles being so popular in the Chico area, GEAR UP will be a community favorite! At Gateway, we will take this exhibit down a few other pathway including:

Safety, Healthy Lifestyles, Accessibility, Sustainable Transportation

GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes is organized by Carnegie Science Center (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

entrance to gear up exhibit
gear up displays in gallery
more gear up displays in gallery

GEAR UP Schedule of Events:

Bike Rodeos

Butte County Public Health is hosting several Bike Rodeos at the museum this spring inviting bicyclists of all ages to practice and develop skills that will help them to become better bicyclists and avoid typical crashes. Rodeo visitors will learn the "rules of the road", general safety, skills and maneuvers, as well as how to properly fit a helmet. So bring your own bike and come on over!

Friday May 6, 2022(opens in new window)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm


1st Annual Gateway Bike Show

Saturday May 7, 2022 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

In celebration of BIKES! and the  Gear Up: The Science of Bikes exhibition
A Free Family Event

This will be a bike show in the same spirit as a classic car show.  Individuals with unique bikes, or just bikes they love, come and spend the day with us!

Register YOUR COOL BIKE TODAY!(opens in new window)

The first 100 Bike Show participants will receive the first ever Bike Show medallion. Winners of the "People’s Choice” awards for children’s bikes that are shown (12 and under) 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will win Trophies. It will be the total Chico Experience!


Project Partners

Butte County Public Health Department’s Office of Traffic Safety and Safe Routes to School Programs will offer three Bike Rodeos, inviting bicyclists of all ages to practice and develop skills that will help them to become better bicyclists and avoid typical crashes.

Chico State’s Office of Student Life & Leadership will take the lead on a special student event in April to celebrate Wildcat Spirit Week, on bikes!

Chico State’s Physics Department

School of Nursing

Nutrition & Food Science Department


Special thank you to our exhibit sponsors:

Summit Sponsor:

William & Jeanne Hassenzahl

Docs for Bike Safety:

Chico Hospitalist Group

Dr. Ejaz Ahmed

Dr. Peter Magnusson 

Dr. John Asarian

Drs. Joanne Reid & Phillip Filbrandt 

Dr. Marcia Moore

Dr. Vimali Paul

Dr. Julian Zener

Drs. Madelyn Holzman & Miguel Puig 

Dr. Anne Dawson

Drs. Gretchen Wooding & Larry Hsu

Dr. Tanya Layne 

Dr. Jennifer Parrish

Drs. Lourdes Valdez & Manuel Sanchez-Palacios

Dr. Walter Kusumoto

Dr. Ross Nayduch

Dr. Ken Fleming

Dr. Mark D. Fritzler

Dr. Walter Schafer

Dr. Mike DiSano