Bike to Work Week is just around the corner — May 15-20, to be exact — and there are a ton of events taking place for bicyclists of all ages to enjoy.
BILL NESPER PRESENTATION – May 9
Bill Nesper, Program Director for Bicycle Friendly America, will give two presentations on Monday, May 9 to discuss how to create a welcoming bicycle environment and community. Both events will be held at Merge (the Old Wedge space) at 136 S. Dubuque Street in Downtown Iowa City. A presentation for local businesses on how to become a bicycle-friendly business is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m., while the general public is invited to “Bicycle Friendly Communities,” from 6 to 7 p.m.
BIKE TO WORK WEEK. RIDE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT CARD! – May 15-20
The Employee Wellness Committee is rewarding staffers who participate in Bike to Work Week with a chance to win one of two $25 gift cards! Email us at wellnesscommittee@iowa-city.org and let us know which day(s) you ride your bike to work between May 15-20 and we’ll enter your name into a drawing — one entry for each day you ride. Don’t forget to take a selfie or two so we can share them on our blog!
OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS – May 15-20
From Sunday, May 15 through Friday, May 20, there are a variety of events for riders of all ages — everything from a Family Ride with the Iowa City Mayor to the annual Bike-Bus-Car Race and a Full Moon Ride, breakfasts and lunches, presentations including “Wheely Fun Bike Basics” and “Legal Cycling” at the Public Library, and a new event this year, a portrait with your bike. Visit www.thinkbicycles.org/bike-to-work-week for more information.
ANNUAL BIKE / BUS / CAR RACE – May 16
Local government officials who will partake in this year’s Bike / Bus / Car Race to kick off Bike to Work Week are North Liberty Mayor Amy Nielsen, who will ride the bus; Rod Sullivan, Chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, who will drive his car; and Rockne Cole from the Iowa City City Council, who will ride his bike. Racers will meet at the Coralville Public Library at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 16, with the race to the Iowa City Public Library slated to begin around 11:30 a.m.
OLD PI TO NEW PI RIDE – May 18
The annual Old Pi to New Pi Ride will start at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18. Riders will meet on Washington Street between City Hall and Chauncey Swan Park for the one-hour ride from the Iowa City store to the Coralville store. A fun trek every year!
BIKE BOULEVARD – May 21
Four University of Iowa graduate students, in partnership with the City of Iowa City, will create a Bike Boulevard on College Street (from City High to the Farmers Market at Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp) on Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to noon to let riders experience the full potential of bike-friendly roadways. The Bike Boulevard will also allow bicyclists to practice their road-sharing skills and learn the rules of cooperative transportation to show respect for all road users and ensure safe travel. More information available at www.facebook.com/iowacitybikeboulevard/.
A carrot walks into a juice bar… 