Gear Up for Biking

Though I am not a regular biker, my daughter is.  Intending to gather information for her, I went to the Wilmette Public Library last year for the Wilmette Bicycle Task Force, Go Green Wilmette co-sponsored event- the third annual “Gear Up for Biking Expo”.  I found it fascinating. 

I am looking forward to this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2011. It is the fourth annual Gear Up for Biking Expo will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Wilmette Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue. Plan to attend this free, family friendly community event, which will feature information, handouts, and short seminars. Among the topics to be covered are:

• Fixing a flat tire
• Teaching your child to ride a bike
• Bikes as transportation: using your bike for commuting, shopping, and errands
• Helmets for life: getting the children (and adults) in your life to choose and wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on all rides.
• Buying a bike
• Getting ready to ride
• Cycling for women
• Buying bike clothing and gear
• Learning about local rides, routes, and rules for group riding with the Evanston Bicycle Club
• Riding with kids
• Recycling old or unused bicycles: bring your unwanted bikes to the event for donation to The Recyclery (www.therecyclery.org)

You will definitely want to go if you and your family are regular riders. But if you are just getting started, this is your chance to learn about the many ways you can enjoy using your bike for recreation, fitness, and errands. Since the annual bike expo is held in conjunction with the library's annual Bike to the Library Day. Plan to bike to the library and if you wear your helmet, you and get a free water bottle!

The goal of this event is to increase awareness of cycling opportunities in the Wilmette area and beyond, and to help make Wilmette a bicycle-friendly community. You will find exhibits from local bike stores, bicycle advocacy groups, and leaders of organized rides.

The afternoon promises to be fun and interesting and a great opportunity to find out what you may have been missing.

Everyone is invited for all or part of the afternoon. See you there!