April 26, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact: Mayor Dave Walters, (269) 209-0626
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — May is National Bicycle Month and the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee wants to share a calendar full of events to promote and encourage biking in May and beyond.
The activities welcome everyone — all bicycle types, all skill levels and all ages – and the committee highly encourages all riders to wear properly-fitting helmets. All activities will take place in rain, shine or snow. For more information on these events, contact Team Active at (800) 841-9494.
Sunday, May 1 is the Fort Custer Stampede Race, an event from the Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association. Categories are Elite, Expert, Sport, Sport Single Speed, Fat Tire, Tandem, Beginner, Beginner Single Speed and Kids. Race times vary and pre-registration is open through Friday, April 29. See bikereg.com for more information.
Monday, May 2 and Monday, May 16 are Slow Roll Mondays, both starting at 5 p.m. at the Kool Family Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave. These rides will last 30 to 45 minutes and have no pre-determined routes. Just come out and enjoy some casual rides around the city!
Wednesday, May 4 is Walk/Bike to School Day, as organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. While the committee is not organizing activities on this day, members ask all area schools to encourage their students to walk and, especially, ride to their schools on May 4 and throughout the school year.
Friday, May 6 is Women’s Night at Team Active, 22 W. Michigan Ave. Starting at 5 p.m., women will learn personal safety tips while cycling, as well as self-defense techniques.
Wednesday, May 18 is the Ride of Silence, a worldwide event that honors those who have been injured or killed while riding bicycles. The city’s local ride will begin and end at Willard Beach Park, off of George B Place. Starting at 7 p.m., the approximately 10-mile route travels through the Lakeview area and is for all skill levels.
Friday, May 20 is Bike to Work Day and, once again, the committee will lead an organized ride starting at 7:30 a.m. All residents are encouraged to ride to work! The route will begin at Culver’s Restaurant, 5074 Beckley Road, heading north on Capital Avenue SW and ending at Kellogg World Headquarters downtown. This route is 4.72 miles and the ride will accommodate all skill levels. Culver’s will be open to riders to enjoy refreshments and use the restrooms before the ride.
