[Press Release] : Eighth annual Bike, Walk & Wheel Week to kick off Saturday, May 2

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: GetAbout Columbia Office - (573) 442-7189

Eighth annual Bike, Walk & Wheel Week to kick off Saturday, May 2
Event will bring a mix of active and educational opportunities for
everyone.

COLUMBIA, MO (April 27, 2009) - The 8th annual Mayor’s Challenge:
Bike, Walk & Wheel Week is scheduled to begin Saturday, May 2, with an
afternoon kickoff event from 1- 4 p.m. at Flat Branch Park. The weeklong
event, May 2-8, is designed to encourage all Columbians to try an active
mode of transportation-like walking or biking-to get to work, school and
around town. From group trail rides, to bike skills classes, to free
city bus rides, Bike, Walk & Wheel Week offers opportunities for
everyone. Take the challenge in 2009 and bike, walk and wheel your way
to improved health for you, your family and the community as a whole. 

To participate in Bike, Walk & Wheel Week, register online at
getaboutcolumbia.com or visit the GetAbout Columbia office at 101 N. 7th
Street. Participants can receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last). 

Head out on foot or by bike on Friday, May 8, and join us for a free
breakfast from 7- 9 a.m. at one of 12 breakfast station locations. See a
full listing at getaboutcolumbia.com. Remember, walking or biking, even
part of the way, still counts! Park somewhere along your route-city
parks have free parking- and bike or walk the rest of the way.

Bike, Walk & Wheel Week is part of GetAbout Columbia, a community-wide
program designed to encourage active modes of transportation-travel
other than in cars. Funding for GetAbout Columbia is provided by the
Federal Highway Administration’s Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot
Program. For more details, visit getaboutcolumbia.com or call (573)
442-7189, ext. 29.

2009 Bike, Walk & Wheel Week Activities:
Saturday, May 2
● Kick Off Celebration, 1-4 p.m. 
Flat Branch Park, 101 S. 4th St.
Register and pick up BWWW t-shirts, enjoy music and check out a bike
polo match. Get bike safety and commuting tips and learn how to load
your bike on the city bus rack. There will also be a bike light giveaway
and bike tire recycling.

Saturday, May 2 - Friday, May 8
● Your Bike is Your Ticket
Bring your bike and ride the city buses free all week. All city buses
have bike racks.

Sunday, May 3
● Cycle Recycle, 1-3 p.m.
GetAbout Columbia Office, 101 N. 7th Street
Register at 12:30 p.m. to receive a free, refurbished bicycle (while
supplies last). Giveaway begins at 1 p.m. Free bike licensing will also
be available, courtesy of the Columbia Fire Department.

Monday, May 4
● MKT Secret Access Trail Ride, 5:45 p.m.
Meet at Flat Branch Park playground
Access neighborhoods and shopping areas from the MKT Trail and learn
the best way to get to the MU campus on this 20-mile round trip ride.
Bring a water bottle, snack and your helmet (required).

Tuesday, May 5
● Confident City Cycling Class (Tues. 5/5, Wed. 5/6, Fri 5/8) From
6-9 p.m. each evening
Stephens Lake Activity Center, 2311 E. Walnut St.
Gain the skills needed to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the
trail. This class covers bike safety checks, replacing a flat tire,
on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Cost is $20 for three
3-hour sessions. Open to ages 14 and above. Visit getaboutcolumbia.com
for registration information.

● Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Health, 2009 Health and
Fitness Forum
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Activity and Recreation Center (ARC), 1701 W. Ash Street
Health and fitness education, demonstrations and free services
including blood pressure readings, bone density scans, vision checks,
skin cancer readings and body mass index measurements.

Wednesday, May 6
● Brown Bag Lunch Seminar, noon-1 p.m.
The YouZeum, 608 Cherry Street
Experienced bicycle commuters will share tips on buying a suitable
bike, what to wear, bike maintenance and route planning. 

Thursday, May 7
● Try Transit Day
Everybody rides for free (all day long) on the city buses. For
schedules and routes, visit gocolumbiamo.com 

● Bike Skills 101 Class, 6-9 p.m.
GetAbout Columbia Office, 101 N. 7th Street
This is an introductory version of GetAbout Columbia's popular
Confident City Cycling Class. Class covers basic on-bike skills and
safety, road positioning techniques and tips for riding safely in
traffic. Cost is $10 for this 3-hour session. Visit getaboutcolumbia.com
for registration information.

● Walking for Fun, 6:30 p.m.
Walt’s Bicycle Fitness and Wilderness Co., 1217 Rogers Street
Steve Henry, author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of St. Louis shares his
knowledge on where to go and what you need when you’re out on the
trail to be comfortable and have a great time.

Friday, May 8
● Breakfast Station Day, 7-9 a.m.
Everyone is invited! Enjoy a free breakfast at one of 12 breakfast
locations around town as you bike, walk, or wheel. See map and location
listings at getaboutcolumbia.com.

● Walk to School Day
If your school is interested in participating in a group walk on
Friday, May 8, please call Margy Tonnies at (573) 356-9405.

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http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

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