Chippewa Valley cyclists preparing for the return of Bike Week

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Wisconsin Bike Week kicks off next month, and cyclists throughout the Chippewa Valley are preparing for the upcoming celebration.

Bike Week in Eau Claire will take place from June 1 to June 8. More than 15 organizations are collaborating with the Wisconsin Bike Federation during this event, and they will have informational tables available throughout the first week of June, where the community can learn more about their mission or voice concerns. While organizations like Bike Chippewa Valley and the Valley Girls Cycling Organization aim to promote bike safety and the benefits of cycling, they also seek to highlight Eau Claire’s commitment to accessible outdoor recreation.

Nicole Billings, co-director of the Valley Girls cycling Organization, current chair of the City of Eau Claire Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), and member of CORBA, is excited to showcase what Eau Claire has to offer.

“This is a university town. There are a lot of young people here. There are a lot of people who ride bikes. This is a place where people are raising their families and want to be engaged in organizations, and there’s still a lot of room to grow. So, there are a lot of opportunities here in Eau Claire to expand upon the infrastructure that’s already here for cyclists and pedestrians.”

The community can wheel their way into the fun with the Bike Week kickoff beach party on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 2 p.m. at Haymarket Plaza. People are encouraged to wear costumes, play games, and show their love for biking on a family-friendly 6-mile ride. However, if you cannot make the event, there will be a variety of opportunities for cyclists to explore Eau Claire.