Kenosha County and the City of Kenosha’s annual Bike-to-Work Weeks are returning June 4-18, County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor John Antaramian announced Tuesday.
As in other recent years, the festivities will be bookended by two community events: the Kenosha County Bike Rodeo on Saturday (June 4), and the Dairy Air ride to the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast on Saturday, June 18.
During Bike-to-Work Weeks, people are encouraged to commute by bicycle, and to experience the beauty of Kenosha County from the seat of a bicycle.
It’s also a time for bicyclists and motorists alike to bone up on bike safety, and to remember to take precautions to ride and drive safely year-round.
“With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore our county on a bicycle,” Kerkman said. “And whether you’re riding or driving, it’s also a good time to remember the rules of the road, and to take steps to help keep bicyclists safe on our roads and trails.”
Antaramian also encouraged people to get out on two wheels during these two weeks.
“I hope citizens take this opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy a bike ride,” the mayor said. “Our lakefront parks and paths provide a beautiful setting to go for a ride.”
Events outlined:
The Kenosha County Bike Rodeo is a free event held at the Kenosha Moose Lodge that aims to promote bike safety and safety on trails for people of all ages.
It will begin at 9 a.m. with an organized ride starting at the Highway JR parking lot in the far-southeast corner of Petrifying Springs Park. The ride will continue on off-street trails to the Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave., where activities beginning at 9:30 will include a rodeo bike skills course for children, a bike safety class, free bicycle safety checks, food and raffles.
At 11 a.m., the festivities will conclude with the Kenosha Police Department’s annual bike auction.
Participants in the organized ride will get a free hot dog and chips at the Moose Lodge. Others may purchase meals for $2, with proceeds going to the Kenosha Police Explorers.
The Dairy Air Bike Ride is a free, organized ride from Silver Lake Park Beach to the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast, to be held this year at the Elfering Farm, 15324 Horton Road in Bristol.
The group ride will begin at 7 a.m., with a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department squad following the back of the pack for safety purposes.
Pre-registration for the ride is encouraged at http://dairyairbikeride2022.eventbrite.com/.
For those who ride or drive there, the Dairy Breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on June 18. Breakfast tickets are $10 (free for kids under 6) and are available at the event while supplies last.
The Bike to Work Weeks Contest offers prizes to those who cycle to work between June 4 and 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, passes to local attractions, 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.
The Bike Rodeo is presented by Kenosha County, the City of Kenosha, the Kenosha Bicycle Ambassadors and Bike Kenosha.
A few 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.
Some 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.
And, finally, a tip for riders and drivers:
- Put down your phone! Distractions can kill.
