Aurora to host its inaugural Bike Week
May is National Bike Month. In celebration, the city of Aurora's Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Board is hosting its inaugural Bike Week 2019 from Monday, May 13, through Sunday, May 19, in conjunction with the Kane and Kendall Council of Mayors.
Bike Week 2019 brings together bike advocates through coordinated events and demonstration projects to encourage more permanent bicycle infrastructure and programming.
"ABPT promotes healthy, sustainable and economic transit options," said Rene Craig, ABPT chairman. "We want to start a larger conversation among Aurora residents about the role of biking in the community and the positive benefits it can offer."
During the week, the city is implementing two temporary infrastructure elements.
Temporary separated bike lanes will be implemented on River Street between Downer Place and Spruce Street to connect the existing "Green Mile" protected on-street bike lane that ends at Downer Place to the Fox River Trail at Spruce Street.
In addition, parklets - parking spaces that are temporarily removed to become outdoor community gathering spots - will be implemented along Restaurant Row on New York Street between River Street and the Fox River.
"The parklets will allow for a variety of bike-related activities," said Craig.
On Saturday, May 18, families are invited to the parklets to enjoy outdoor games, participate in a chalk-drawing event and interact with Aurora Police officers who will distribute bike safety information and special stickers
Downtown businesses are celebrating Bike Week 2019 with special deals. All Spoked Up, 14 W. Downer Place, is offering free safety checks and a discount on accessories and Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York Street, will offer a discount to all cyclists.
The city is also encouraging residents and visitors to register for its Zagster bike-share program and enjoy Aurora and its amenities via biking. Learn more and register at http://bike.zagster.com/aurora-il/.
May 13-19 is also National Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17.
Take a survey and quiz. ABPT and KKCOM are seeking feedback about the temporary infrastructure elements and activities for Bike Week 2019. Participants can take the survey at http://bit.ly/2UpbukN through June 7.
Participants also can test their bike safety knowledge by taking quizzes at www.BikeSafetyQuiz.com. Created by Ride Illinois, a nonprofit organization working statewide for better bicycling conditions, the quizzes will help the public learn best safety strategies for sharing the road successfully.