The inaugural “Light Up the Night Bike Ride” bike parade has been slated for Saturday, Sept. 7, in Jefferson County, according to its organizers.
The event is free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
Organizers include the Jefferson County Parks Department, Jefferson County Health Department and Friends of Jefferson County Parks.
According to the release, the ride will begin at the Glacial River Bicycle Trail, 1309 N. High St., with event-goers gathering near the U-Haul parking lot in Fort Atkinson,
Participants will be asked to check-in at the event beginning at 6:30 p.m., “with lights on,” the release noted. A “lineup” will begin at 7:30 p.m., with a “mass start” set for 7:45 p.m., the release stated.
The ride is anticipated to complete at 8:45 p.m.
Riders leaving the gathering point will continue along the bike trail to Crawfish River Park.
In the park, participants will find refreshments, the release read.
The riders will then return to the starting point.
According to the release, organizers will provide free bicycle helmets to the first 75 children who sign up, free high-visibility t-shirts to the first 200 registrants, 100 bike lights and other “free giveaways.”
Helmets, t-shirts and bike lights will be distributed during the ride’s check-in period.
Representatives of the Jefferson County Health Department and Safe Kids South-Central Wisconsin Dane/Jefferson Safe Kids Coalition will help fit helmets for children and share information on bike safety, the release continued.
Further, the release noted, the Jefferson County Parks Department will share information regarding the many hiking/biking and water trail systems in local communities.
“This event will help promote community health, bike safety, and to recognize all the amazing recreational opportunities our communities have to offer,” Kevin Wiesmann, director of the Jefferson County Parks Department, was quoted as saying in the release.
He credited the Friends of Jefferson County Parks as the organization which identified the opportunity to showcase the bike trail system through a fun family event.
Those interested in registering for the event are encouraged to visit the Jefferson County website: www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/park.
Those interested in receiving a t-shirt, bike light or helmet are encouraged to register by Aug. 19, the release read.
Sponsors include Fort HealthCare, Two Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor, Abendroth Total Water/Culligan, Fort Community Credit Union, W&A Distributions Services, Wayne Hayes Real Estate, Heritage Country Meats and Paddy Coughlin’s Pub.
A child enjoys exploring a Fort Atkinson city park on a bicycle. Organizers of the “Light Up the Night Bike Ride” bike parade are looking to help more individuals explore the area’s bike paths, according to Kevin Wiesmann, director of the Jefferson County Parks Department. An inaugural nighttime bike ride is scheduled to take place next month. File photo/Chris Spangler.
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