According to the League of American Bicyclists, the average annual operating expense of a bicycle is just $308, versus more than $8,000 for a car.
Category: Transportation
Aging in Place and Complete Streets
Just before her 99th birthday, we convinced my grandma to give up her driver’s license. While I’ve been an advocate of Complete Streets and Active Transportation for many years, I’ve been thinking more about how someone like my grandma can continue to live independently in the suburbs without a car. There are many options now that did not exist in past years, like ride share services and safer streets. AARP is a proponent of Complete Streets, and here’s a video about why it’s a good policy for older adults. Share your thoughts on this subject by emailing me.
May is Bike Month
Highland Park is hosting a Bicycle Fair on May 16 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Highland Park Metra Station, southeast parking lot. Join me for a pre-fair community bike ride at 9:15 am. The family friendly fair will include a children’s bike rodeo, Biking 101 workshops, maintenance clinics, helmet checks, and more. Working Bikes will be there to collect bicycles that you want to donate. Other activities happening in celebration of National Bike Month include:
May 4, 10:30-11:30 am: Senior Cycling Presentation hosted by Trek at the Police Department Training Room. This event is free and registration is not required.
May 5: Bike to School Day. Information is here.
May 6, 10 – 11:30 am: Senior Bike Expo at Trek Highland Park, 1925 Skokie Valley Road. Try innovative bikes, including recumbents and 3 wheelers, as well as new accessories to make your ride more comfortable. Register by emailing Laura.
May 12, 9 – 11 am: Bicycle Repair Clinic. Register by May 7. Learn how to handle simple bicycle breakdowns with confidence, including; 1) changing and repairing a flat tire, 2) re-engaging a dropped chain, and 3) creating a survival kit with basic items to keep you rolling. Trek Highland Park, 1925 Skokie Valley Rd. Register by emailing Laura.
May 21, 1 pm: Senior Ride, contact Laura by May 15 for information and to register. This ride is appropriate for people of all abilities ages 50 and up.
Green Bay Trail Improvements Proposed
The portion of the Green Bay Trail within Highland Park is officially called the McClory Trail. The City of Highland Park has received a grant from the Transportation Enhancements Program to pay for 70% of the cost of paving our portion of the Trail. Paving would enable use of the trail year round and increase accessibility for people with disabilities. Click here for more information.