Geneva Hosts Bike Challenge To Help Determine Future Of Biking In Town

GENEVA, IL — Locals who enjoy biking have the chance to take part in a bike challenge this summer that will not only help them possibly rediscover Geneva but also help officials determine what improvements are needed to make the city more bike-friendly.

Organized by the city's Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, Geneva's Bike Challenge will run through Aug. 5. Anyone can participate by printing this card, crossing off challenges as they're completed and submitting the completed card.

Challenges are broken up into four categories: Make it a Habit, Spread the Word, Active Adventures and Around Town. Among the four, options include riding with a friend, taking a selfie on a bike ride, riding to an event or biking to someplace in Geneva.

Before locals can participate, they must complete three safety checks, including taking a bike safety quiz, making sure their helmet fits securely and checking the bike is in good working order.

Eligible participants who complete the challenge by 4:30 p.m. Aug 5. will be entered to win prizes. Those eligible have to have a Geneva address, attend school in town or be employed within the city, organizers said.

People who participate will likely have comments on what it's like to bike in Geneva, and what improvements could be made, so the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee will host Bike Night from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 4 to hear that feedback. The event will take place at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., and will feature a raffle, ice cream, bike safety checks and additional activities.

The Committee will take input from Bike Night and review Geneva's Bike Plan from 2004 to develop recommendations for biking and pedestrian improvements.