Bicycling Events in Palatine Presented by Palatine Park District and Bike Palatine Club

Throughout the summer and fall Palatine Park District and the Bike Palatine Club are presenting a variety of bike events for the community.

Wednesday Casual Rides are being held every week at 6:00pm, weather permitting. All riders are welcome to attend these free community rides, and ride leaders will be on hand each week to lead the group. The rides are approximately seven miles in length and will start and end at Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Road, Palatine. Weather cancellations will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bike-palatine-club.

A Bicycle Safety Clinic and Ride is being offered on Saturday, June 14 from 9:30am to 11:30am. The clinic is for beginning cyclists ages 5 to 10, with a parent in attendance, at Ost Track located behind the Community Center at 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine. This cycling safety skills clinic will cover critical safety topics such as bicycle inspection, safe bike handling, and rules of the road through a series of exercises. Participants will practice the safe way to exit a driveway, how to look for traffic, negotiate an intersection, and avoid common road hazards.  Bike Police from the Palatine Police Department will demonstrate basic handling skills and address the importance of all cyclists following the most current bike safety rules of the road. Parents are required to attend the clinic at no charge and join the free fun ride after the clinic at 11:00am. Bike helmets will be checked for safe performance. Each child participant will receive a Bike Palatine t-shirt, t-shirt size required when registering. The clinic fee is $3 per child. Registration can be done online at www.palatineparks.org using code 6418-2 or in person at Community Center, Falcon Park Recreation Center, or Birchwood Recreation Center.

Special events will be offered throughout the summer and fall as well, including:

·         Longest Day Ride – June 21

·         Bike Valet Parking for Fireworks – July 3

·         Riding in the 4th of July Parade – July 4

·         CycleFest Ride – August 23

·         Oktoberfest Ride – September 21

·         Full Moon Ride – October 10

The Bike Palatine Club offers an affordable Annual Family Membership for just $15. Bike Palatine Club members receive the club e-newsletter, discounts on entry fees for club events, rides and gear, as well as discounts on all purchases at Mikes Bike Shop in Palatine, one of the club’s sponsors. Membership is not required to attend the weekly Wednesday rides or club events; membership dues support club events and community safety and outreach programs.

For more information about membership or biking options in Palatine, visit www.bikepalatine.com.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.