Aurora Celebrates Bike Week With Games, Temp Bike Lanes, Deals

AURORA, IL -- The city of Aurora is getting ready to celebrate its first official Bike Week by setting up temporary bike lanes and other outdoor activities to encourage bike riding. Aurora Bike Week 2019 is slated for May 13 through May 19, which coincides with National Bike to Work Week.

In a news release, Rene Craig, chairman of the Aurora Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Board (ABPT) said part of the goal of Aurora Bike Week is to "start a larger conversation among Aurora residents about the role of biking in the community and the positive benefits it can offer.”

During the week, bicyclists can take advantage of temporary bike lanes that will be set up on River Street between Downer Place and Spruce Street. These temporary lanes will link the current "Green Mile" bike lane at Downer Place to the Fox River Trail at Spruce Street, ABPT officials said.

Cyclists can also zoom down Restaurant Row on New York Street to find parking spaces that have been converted to "parklets." These mini "parklets" will serve as community gathering spaces that encourage interaction and bike-themed activities.

Families can join members of the Aurora Police Department to take part in special Bike Week activities on May 18. Officers will share bike safety tips and hand out stickers as they work with kids and their families to create a large chalk drawing.

Throughout Aurora Bike Week, local business owners will be offering discounts that include deals for cyclists at Endiro Coffee and free bike safety checks at All Spoked Up.

Residents who don't already have bikes of their own are encouraged to take part in Bike Week by checking out Zagster, Aurora's bike share program.