Elgin by Bike campaign tours downtown

Nearly 50 downtown Elgin businesses ranging from Al's Café & Creamery to Topnotch Tattoo are taking part in an "Elgin by Bike" campaign during the month of September.

Its purpose is to encourage bicycling and shopping locally. All participants who visit at least 10 participating businesses by bicycle may receive a small gift and enter in a raffle to win prizes, including a new Raleigh bicycle from Main Street Bicycles in Carpentersville.

Anyone interested in taking part in Elgin by Bike may pick up their Elgin by Bike wallet guide at any of the participating businesses or the Elgin Downtown Neighborhood Association offices.

Business employees will initial the guides of any bicycling customers. A helmet is considered evidence enough that one rode a bike to a business.

The "Elgin Bike & Dine" is another event that promotes both bicycling and local spending. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is a 13-mile bike ride and progressive dinner that will visit Ravenheart Coffee, Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill, In the Neighborhood Deli, Elgin Public House, and Elgin Public Museum (where Al's Café & Creamery desserts will be served).

The cost is $30 and the registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 16. For details or to register, call the Elgin Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jbenson@elginil.org.

Elgin by Bike and the Bike & Dine conclude a summer-long bicycle safety campaign in Elgin. For information on this campaign, visit www.cityofelgin.org/bikes.

This campaign was funded by the city of Elgin and federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation. Active Transportation Alliance has worked as the consultant on this campaign. The Elgin Downtown Neighborhood Association partnered on the Elgin by Bike and Bike and Dine events.