Summer in the Heights is better by bike

Looking for a safe and fun way to get out and enjoy the summer while also getting some exercise? The Heights Bicycle Coalition (HBC) is sponsoring free and fun rides all summer long for riders of all ages and experience levels.

On Saturday, July 14, join HBC for “Lenny’s Tour de Cleveland Heights.” Meet at the DeLisle Educational Center, at 4898 Superior Road in Cleveland Heights, at 10 a.m. for a ride around town, led by Lenny Horowitz. The 13-mile scenic ride will travel through Cain, Cumberland and Forest Hill parks, through the Cedar Fairmount district, and then follow the North Park Boulevard bike lane to Hathaway Brown School before heading back to DeLisle. Riders are eligible to receive a 50 percent discount on a Cumberland Pool one-day swim pass after the ride.

A "Family Playground Ride" takes place on Sunday, July 22, 1-3 p.m., starting at the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park (2843 Washington Blvd.). Greg Jolivette will lead this family bike ride on side streets and bike paths to the playground at Horseshoe Lake Park. The ride will take a slow, family-friendly pace. Families then can enjoy the playground and other facilities at Horseshoe Lake, along with popsicles provided by HBC. The ride is approximately 3.5 miles and slightly uphill.

On Sunday, Aug. 5, the “Explore University Heights by Bike” ride will depart University Heights Community Park (2301 Fenwick Road, off Silsby Road) at 1 p.m. Led by Sarah O'Keefe, this is a great ride for biking families and family-friendly bicyclists. Explore the paths and sidewalks of the Fenwick Road neighborhood and nearby parks. The ride will be conducted at a slow and steady pace on residential roads and sidewalks, ending at the Community Park playground at approximately 2:30 p.m., with an ice cream treat for riders.

Everyone is welcome to join these rides, and reservations are not necessary. For all HBC rides, parents must accompany children under 16. Children riding on their own must be confident riding on two-wheeled bikes with no training wheels. Children on or in trail-a-bikes, bike trailers, cargo bikes and bikes with child seats are welcome.

HBC encourages everyone to consider pedaling instead of driving to summer events. Getting there by bike is healthy, economical and a stress reliever that avoids the hassle of parking and traffic congestion. Events that are “better by bike” include University Circle events, such as Wade Oval Wednesdays, museums and educational institutions, and the upcoming GardenWalk Cleveland events in Little Italy, North Collinwood and Slavic Village on Sunday, July 8.

For a current list of HBC-sponsored activities and additional Northeast Ohio bike-related events, check out the calendar on HBC’s website, www.bikesintheheights.org.