YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A free community bike ride, walk and bike safety training event will be held from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 1 as part of the Walk the Valley: Walk Wednesday Walking series.
The goal of the event, hosted by Healthy Community Partnership, Thrive Mahoning Valley, YSU Guin Fit, YSU Campus Recreation, The Mercy Health Stepping Out Program and YoGo Bike Share, is to provide community members an opportunity to learn how to safely ride a bike in newly installed bike lanes in Youngstown.
Riders will receive a brief presentation from Travis Manring, community recreation graduate assistant at Youngstown State University, on how to safely ride bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters on the road in bike lanes, followed by a brief ride of 4.7 miles. Additional presentations from YoGo Bikeshare, Thrive Mahoning Valley, & Yo Motion will include information on community resources, cycling laws, local policies and how to get connected with local cycling groups.
Despite the focus on riders, walkers are still encouraged to attend and will be able to participate in a walk through Wick Park’s exercise trail. There will also be a discussion about pedestrian safety and an opportunity to try out Wick Park’s exercise equipment.
Riders and walkers will meet at the corner of Elm Street and Park Avenue by the benches at Wick Park, 260 Park Ave. Participants are asked to bring their own bikes, e-bike or e-scooter to participate in the ride. YoGo Bikeshare e-bikes will also be available at no cost. Participants are also encouraged to bring water and wear a helmet, brightly colored clothing and activity appropriate shoes.
The goal of Walk Wednesday activities is to improve residents’ physical and mental health with regular outdoor physical activity and social connections. Group walks and rides also help promote the use of local public facilities like parks and bike infrastructure.
Register HERE.
For more information, contact Robin Perry, network coordinator at the Healthy Community Partnership, at 330-743-5555 or rperry@hcpmahoningvalley.com.