KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Mayors of the City of Portage and the City of Kalamazoo will lead an 8-mile bike ride to commemorate Kalamazoo Bike Week on Saturday, May 21, beginning at 9 a.m.
The event will start at Bicentennial Park on Milham Avenue with refreshments being served after the bike tour.
Kalamazoo Bike Week was initiated in 2012 to raise cycling awareness, promote the use of cycling as a means of transportation, and explore the possibilities cycling has to offer.
Organizers aim to celebrate bicycling and the many benefits bicycling brings to the Kalamazoo and Portage communities and promote cycling advocacy, awareness, and education.
“Kalamazoo Bike Week promotes a healthier lifestyle through biking.” said Portage City Mayor Patricia Randall. “The Mayor’s Ride symbolizes the connection between the two major cities.”
Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson encourages everyone to join the Mayor’s Ride.
“We hope you’ll join Mayor Randall and me for this great tradition,” said Anderson. “Riding together helps connect us and lets us see and interact with our communities in a different way than when we’re in a car. Biking is healthy, it’s good for the planet, and did I mention it’s really fun?”
This ride comes after Kalamazoo Bike Week and will highlight portions of the planned inter-jurisdictional Southwest Michigan Bikeway, the Portage trail and bike lane system, bike lanes and routes in Kalamazoo, and a scenic overlook of the proposed Kalamazoo-Portage trail connection along Portage Creek.
“The ride is a great way to experience many types of bicycling amenities in our community and interact with the mayors on a casual, easy-paced ride.” said Paul Selden, Chair of Bike Week.
The Mayor’s Ride is free to the public but requires pre-registration by May 19 at http://mypark.portagemi.gov.
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