Love your bike? Love a good party? Then join the East Bay Bike Party for a rollin' good time every second Friday of the month. 

Organizers were inspired by the San Jose Bike Party which, after two years, averages about 2,000 riders monthly. The first Oakland ride took place in May and had a Birthday Party theme. In June, the 80s were all the rage -- and it showed in costumes and music choice. 

After meeting at MacArthur BART, riders set out in their best 80s gear, boom boxes roaring, over to the Grand Lake Theater where a sunset dance party took place in the park and where I got to catch up with Ashley Elliot, one of the organizers. From there, down Lakeshore we went, through the streets of Oakland and over to Laney College for a short breather.

Setting themselves apart from the Critical Mass bike rides that have been taking place around the world for more than 18 years, the East Bay Bike Party believes in sharing the road with fellow bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike. Taking after San Jose Bike Party standards, the East Bay party people followed most traffic rules, including stopping at red lights. The goal is to have a great time, stay safe, keep a positive attitude and perhaps prove that bicyclists and motorists can peacefully co-exist. Other conventions that were followed - for the most part - were staying in the right lane, riding sober, straight and predictably, and leaving nothing and no one behind. 

"I've been riding a bike for several years and I liked the idea of the party. Anything that promotes bike riding is great," said Oakland resident Ron Balagot, who brought his two kids and a few friends to the party as well. "We didn't come to the first one because it started a little late, but this time was perfect!"

As we cruised across the train tracks into Jack London Square, riders were greeted by the surprised wrap-up crew of Dancing Under the Stars, an event presented by Linden Street Dance Studio that takes place most Friday nights this summer. A professional floor for our 80s dancing pleasure? Yes, please and thank you!

The friendly vibe must have radiated from the bikers, as the Jack London Square crew didn't have any objections to us taking over the dance floor, and kept the lights going late into the night. 

Get your gears ready because the next party will be Friday, July 14.

For more details join East Bay Bike Party on Facebook, visit its website and/or text "ebbikeparty" to 41411 to receive text alerts. On ride nights, text alerts let you know about meet-up and take-off times. 

If you'd like to help plan the next route, have suggestions or can help with promotion, the Route Planning and Volunteer Meeting is on June 29 at Actual Cafe at 6334 San Pablo Ave. (at Alcatraz Avenue).