Evanston community members are encouraged to trade their gas pedals for bike pedals during Chicagoland’s Bike to Work Week June 13-20.

The Active Transportation Alliance is sponsoring a free Bike Commuter Challenge to encourage commuters to take advantage of this healthy, non-polluting transportation option by biking all or part of the way to work at least once during the week. Bikers can join their employer’s team or start a team at bikecommuterchallenge.org. The City of Evanston, Northwestern University and Rotary International are among the local employers participating.

Bikers can also participate in several special events throughout the week on their way to or from work.

Fountain Square Pit Stop June 17

Stop by for a quick morning snack and get a free bike tune-up by Wheel and Sprocket at the Bike Pit Stop on Tuesday, June 17, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston, at the intersection of Sherman Ave. and Davis St. The first 35 bikers in attendance will receive a free water bottle in celebration of 100 years of clean water in Evanston! 

Additionally, Rotary International will be handing out reflective bike stickers to the first 50 bikers in honor of Rotary’s commitment to community service both locally in the City of Evanston and around the world. 

City of Evanston staff will also be on hand to gather input on an Updated City Bike Plan. The Bike Pit Stop is organized by the City of Evanston, Rotary International and Downtown Evanston.

Bike and Brew

On Thursday, June 19, Evanston pub and eatery, Bat 17, 1709 Benson Ave., will host a “Bike and Brew” event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring discounts on drinks and appetizers for bikers, as well as the opportunity to become a member of the Active Transportation Alliance.

“Bike to Work Week is a great opportunity for commuters to shift gears and take advantage of this healthy, economical, environmentally-friendly and fun transportation option,” said City of Evanston Sustainable Programs Coordinator Catherine Hurley. “Whether it’s a short trip to the Metra station or all the way to the office, biking puts the brakes on air pollution and traffic congestion while giving commuters a break from the driver’s seat.”

Visit bikecommuterchallenge.org for a full schedule of Bike to Work Week events.

  • Why Bike?

  • Biking is one of the most environmentally, economically and physically healthy ways to move around Evanston.

  • Cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent.

  • Cycling to work can increase cardiovascular fitness by 3 to 7 percent.

  • The health benefits from cycling 30 minutes daily can reduce medical bills by $544 for the average American adult.

  • The yearly cost of owning and operating a vehicle is over $9,000, while owning and maintaining a bicycle can cost as little as $120 per year.

Cutting out short car trips in favor of bicycling provides a disproportionately large reduction in CO2, particulate matter and other dangerous pollution, significantly improving air quality.

Visit cityofevanston.org/bike to view a map of bike routes, review bike safety tips and more.

Based in Chicago, the Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit and engage people in healthy and active ways to get around.

Rotary brings together leaders who exchange ideas and step forward to take on some of the toughest challenges in their communities. Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary’s world headquarters has been located in Evanston since 1954 and employs 550 staff members, fluent in 40 languages.vv