Bike the Ridge on October 2

Pull out your bicycles and park the car! Bikes rule when “Bike the Ridge” returns on Sunday, October 2, 2011. For four hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., bicyclists may ride on a 2-mile stretch of Ridge Avenue, from Howard Street to Church Street, a road normally closed to bicycles. To accommodate Bike the Ridge, this section of Ridge Avenue in Evanston will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that day. Only non-motorized bikes will be allowed; no motorized bikes or skateboards.

Bike the Ridge officially begins at 9:00 a.m. when Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl will lead riders from the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street. Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes in advance and join Mayor Tisdahl for the 9:00 a.m. start. Youth under age 18 must wear a bike helmet per City of Evanston ordinance.

Bicyclists are welcome to start at either end of the ride or join in anywhere along the route. Those who prefer walking to pedaling may join the event by strolling along the sidewalks. Riders and walkers are invited to take part in activities along the route.

Bike-related activities will be plentiful! Participants can donate a used bike, decorate a bicycle or register it with the Evanston Police Department. Ridgeville Park District will hold its Fall Frenzy featuring Lyons Fruit Market and live music, including the School of Rock. St. Francis Hospital will conduct free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Oakton School PTA will hold a bake sale and garden vegetable sale. Food will be available from Krave Ice Cream’s hot dog and ice cream carts, Hummingbird Kitchen’s food truck, and Whole Foods Market/Evanston South. Argo Tea Café will provide free tea samples.

Bike the Ridge is sponsored by the City of Evanston and made possible by support from Ridgeville Park District, St. Francis Hospital, Turn Bicycle Shop, McGaw YMCA, St. Nicholas Church, Wiener and Still Champion (supplier of free meal coupons for volunteers), Oakton School PTA, Bike Doc, Krave Ice Cream, Argo Tea Café, Hummingbird Kitchen, The Recyclery, Citizens’ Greener Evanston, Evanston Parks Coalition and Whole Foods Market/Evanston South.

Bike the Ridge updates are posted at www.cityofevanston.org/biketheridge. Volunteers are needed; register at www.cityofevanston.org/volunteer or call 847-448-8266.