Pull out your bicycles and park the car! Bikes rule when “Bike the Ridge” returns to Evanston on Sunday, Oct. 2.
For four hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bicyclists may ride on a two-mile stretch of Ridge Avenue, from Howard Street to Church Street, a road normally closed to bikes.
To accommodate the event that section of Ridge Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Only non-motorized bikes will be allowed; no motorized bikes or skateboards.
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl will launch the ride from Howard Street at 9 a.m.
Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes in advance and join Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl for the 9 a.m. start at Howard Street. By city ordinance, riders under age 18 must wear a bike helmet.
Bicyclists can 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.
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, Whole Foods Market/Evanston South and Sweet Ride Chi. 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, Whole Foods Market/Evanston South, Bike and Roll Chicago, Starbucks and Sweet Ride Chi Food Truck.