2021 Bike-to-Work Weeks begin with Bike Rodeo Saturday

In an effort to promote bicycle safety, discover new trails and adopt a healthy lifestyle, local officials are organizing a Bike Rodeo on Saturday (June 5).

The event begins at 9 a.m. with an organized bike ride from Petrifying Springs Park (Highway JR parking lot) to the Kenosha Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave.

Activities continue with a rodeo, bike skills course for children, a bike safety class, free bicycle safety checks, food and raffles.

The Kenosha Police Department’s annual bike auction will take place at 11 a.m.

“You get a different view of the community while riding a bike, and there are now more ways than ever to safely traverse our county by bicycle,” Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser said. “Now is the perfect time of the year to pick up or resume a healthy habit that’s easy to enjoy all summer long.” 

The event, which kicks off Bike-to-Work Weeks from June 5-19, debuted in 2019 despite heavy storms throughout the area. It was then cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Participants in the organized ride will get a free hotdog and chips at the Moose Lodge. Others may purchase meals for $2, with proceeds going to the Kenosha Police Explorers.  

Mayor John Antaramian said it’s a perfect way for local residents to tour the city on two wheels.

“There are some wonderful opportunities for biking in Kenosha,” Antaramian said. “Last year, the city rebuilt the bike path through Pennoyer Park and Kennedy Park, where riders can enjoy some beautiful views of Lake Michigan.”

Those in need of a new bicycle are encouraged to attend the KPD bike auction. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. with the auction starting at 11 a.m.

Kenosha Police officer Jeff Wamboldt will serve as the auctioneer and open the bidding for each bike at $1.

There are approximately 50 bikes of various sizes available.

“We don’t have as many bikes as we normally do, but the quality of them is a lot better than usual,” Kenosha Police Safety Officer Tyler Cochran said. “Normally, we have about 100 bikes, but half of them are missing the majority of their parts.”

Those interested in donating bikes for the auction can do so before 10 a.m. on Saturday, according to Cochran.

All proceeds benefit KPD’s Officer Friendly program.

The Bike Rodeo is presented by Kenosha County, City of Kenosha, Kenosha Bicycle Ambassadors and Bike Kenosha. 

Those who cycle to work between June 5-19 have the opportunity to win prizes in the Bike-to-Work Weeks contest, Kreuser said. 

Riders may submit one entry for each day that they bike to work. 

Entries are to be submitted online at http://www.kenoshacounty.org/bikecontest. Winners will be  drawn at random. Prizes include bicycle-themed clothing, bike equipment, gloves, bicycle tune ups, and more. 

Bike-to-Work Weeks are supported by the county executive and mayor, the Kenosha County  Board, the Kenosha City Council, the Kenosha Bicycle Ambassadors and the Kenosha County  Multiuse Trail Committee. 

Total Cyclery and Southport Bikes and Boards are also major sponsors.

Safety tips for bicycle riders:

• Wear a helmet.
• Wear bright clothing and use bike lights.
• Ride with traffic, not against it.
• Use hand signals and follow all traffic laws and signals.

Safety tips for bicycle-friendly motorists:

• Allow at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists.
• Don’t park or drive in bike lanes.
• Check for bicyclists before opening your door.

A tip for riders and drivers:

• Put down your phone! Distractions can kill.