Annual 'Bike The Ridge' Event Set For Sept. 20

Press release from the City of Evanston:

Bicyclists of all ages are invited to pedal up and down Ridge Avenue during the City’s annual “Bike the Ridge” event on Sunday, September 20.

Due to COVID-19, participants at this year's event will be required to wear a face covering while riding their bikes and when social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. All CDC and IDPH public health guidelines will be followed at the event.

Mayor Hagerty will officially kick off the free, non-competitive City-sponsored special event at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street. Ridge Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic and open to bicycles from Howard to Church Streets until 1 p.m. Bicycles are not allowed on Ridge Avenue at any other time of the year.

Participants will enjoy live music from the Evanston School of Rock; food trucks; and bike repairs at Ridgeville Park, 908 Seward St. Due to COVID-19, Ridgeville Park activities will be limited this year.

Bike the Ridge is for those on non-motorized bicycles only; motorized bicycles or skateboards are not allowed. Children under age 18 are required to wear bike helmets per City of Evanston ordinance. Non-bicyclists can walk along Ridge Avenue sidewalks to support the bicyclists.

Residents along Ridge Avenue will not be able to use their driveways between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 20. Those planning to use their car during that time should park on a side street prior to 8 a.m. that morning.

Bike the Ridge is sponsored by the City of Evanston and is made possible by support from Ridgeville Park District, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital Evanston.

For more information, please visit cityofevanston.org/biketheridge or call/text the City of Evanston at 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents in Evanston may simply dial 311.

This press release was produced by the City of Evanston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.