Get pedaling with community bike events in Palatine
Throughout the summer and fall, Palatine Park District and the Bike Palatine Club are presenting a variety of bike events for the community.
Wednesday Casual Rides are every week at 6 p.m., weather permitting. All riders are welcome to attend these free community rides, and ride leaders will be on hand each week to head the group. The rides are approximately seven miles and will start and end at Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Road, Palatine. Weather cancellations will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bike-palatine-club.
A Bicycle Safety Clinic and Ride is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. The clinic is for beginning cyclists ages 5 to 10, with a parent in attendance, at Ost Track located behind the Community Center at 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. This cycling safety skills clinic will cover critical safety topics such as bicycle inspection, safe bike handling, and rules of the road through a series of exercises. Participants will practice the safe way to exit a driveway, how to look for traffic, negotiate an intersection and avoid common road hazards. Bike police from the Palatine Police Department will demonstrate basic handling skills and address the importance of all cyclists following the most current bike safety rules of the road. Parents are required to attend the clinic at no charge and join the free fun ride after the clinic at 11 a.m. Bike helmets will be checked for safe performance. Each child participant will receive a Bike Palatine T-shirt, T-shirt size required when registering. The clinic fee is $3 per child. Registration can be done online at www.palatineparks.org using code 6418-2 or in person at Community Center, Falcon Park Recreation Center, or Birchwood Recreation Center.
Special events will be offered throughout the summer and fall as well, including:
• Longest Day Ride, June 21
• Bike Valet Parking for Fireworks, July 3
• Riding in the Fourth of July Parade, July 4
• CycleFest Ride, Aug. 23
• Oktoberfest Ride, Sept. 21
• Full Moon Ride, Oct. 10
The Bike Palatine Club offers an affordable annual family membership for just $15. Bike Palatine Club members receive the club e-newsletter, discounts on entry fees for club events, rides and gear, as well as discounts on all purchases at Mikes Bike Shop in Palatine, one of the club's sponsors. Membership is not required to attend the weekly Wednesday rides or club events; membership dues support club events and community safety and outreach programs.
For information about membership or biking options in Palatine, visit www.bikepalatine.com.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.
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