Shop and dine by bike in Elgin

Elgin leaders want more people to shop downtown and now there's a little extra incentive this month to do it by bike instead of by car, truck or bus.

If you make 10 purchase at downtown Elgin stores by the end of September, you'll receive a $10 gift certificate for downtown or a bike accessory - plus have a chance to win a new bike.

"Elgin by Bike" is part of the city's summer-long bike safety campaign that is coordinated by the Active Transportation Alliance and the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

"The goal is to encourage Elgin citizens to use their bike and make more purchases downtown," said Jason Jenkins, education specialist for the alliance. "Certainly, for smaller shopping trips, it's much more doable by bike than people would imagine."

People can pick up a wallet guide at the DNA office, 2 Douglas Ave. Elgin, or any one of nearly 50 participating businesses.

Shop at a store, have an employee initial the card and bring it to the DNA office for a prize and a chance to win a new Raleigh bike in a raffle.

Jennifer Benson, program director at the Downtown Neighbors Association, said a handful of people have turned in wallet cards so far but there are still two weeks left in September.

The "Elgin Bike and Dine" is another event that promotes both bicycling and local spending.

It is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 and is a 14-mile bike ride and progressive lunch that will visit five locations, four of which are downtown and an opportunity to have the wallet guide stamped.

Registration for the event is available through 5 p.m. today. The cost is $30 per person.

For information about the shopping program or to register for the lunch, call the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jbenson@elginil.org.