Naperville parks sponsoring bike event
The fifth annual Junior Tour de Naperville is coming Saturday, Aug. 12, to Commissioners Park in Naperville.
Sponsored by Naperville Park District, the event gives kids ages 3-10 the chance to ride their bikes, Big Wheels or tricycles around the park's 1.2-mile trail at 3704 111th St. cheered on by family and friends.
The event began in 2013 to commemorate the 100th edition of the Tour de France.
There will be separate starts for younger and older participants: the 3-to 5-year-olds will start at 9 a.m., followed by the 6 to 10 year olds at 9:30 a.m.
The older kids will be challenged to go around the course as many times as they can. Each participating child must register for the event and will receive a yellow T-shirt.
Participants will have three "support and gear" stops, with drinks and snacks. Parents are welcome to encourage them from the sidelines or to accompany them around the course.
In addition, park district police officers will be on hand to "cite" safe bicycling practices with a "ticket" for a free ice cream cone at the Riverwalk Café.
The park district is collaborating with the city's police department to promote safe bicycling this summer.
The cost is $17 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. To register, visit www.napervilleparks.org.