Champaign County Bike Month kicks off with a series of free events encouraging safe and active transportation across the community. The month highlights local biking initiatives and offers opportunities for students, community members and families to get involved.
The 15th annual Bike to Work Day will take place on Wednesday from 7-10 a.m. Cyclists can stop by one of 16 welcome stations across Champaign-Urbana, the University campus, Savoy and Rantoul for free snacks, coffee, biking resources and t-shirts while supplies last.
This year adds three new welcome stations at Centennial Park, First Street Trail at Carle Orthopedics and Campus North at the corner of Main Street and Mathews Avenue. Other welcome stations include Alma Mater, DRES, CRCE, Research Park and many others. A full list can be found here.
Next Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., the celebration will continue with Light the Night, the 18th annual free bike light giveaway. Volunteers will install lights at four campus locations: Alma Mater, Hallene Gateway, the courtyard near Ikenberry Commons and the intersection of Green Street and Lincoln Avenue. Riders must bring their bikes to receive lights.
Illinois law requires a front light and either a rear light or reflector when biking at night. Light the Night aims to help keep cyclists safe and informed about local biking rules.
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Rain check dates for potential inclement weather would take place on Thursday for Bike to Work Day and next Wednesday, Sept. 17, for Light the Night. Any schedule changes will be posted on the C-U Bike Month website.
Other free events include Kickapoo Rail Trail rides this Friday and Sept. 26, Park(ing) day next Thursday, Sept. 18, Let’s Ride Illinois on Sept. 21 and Walk ‘n’ Roll to School day on Oct. 8. A full event calendar is available here.
Champaign County Bike Month is organized by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, C-U Safe Routes to School Project, the University, the Cities of Champaign and Urbana and the Villages of Rantoul and Savoy, with support from local bike groups and businesses.
