Get free bike tune up, safety gear at these GR events
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Three bike rallies taking place around Earth Day aim to set cyclists up for success.
Earth Month GR is hosting the bike rallies, which will offer everything from free safety gear and kids helmets to free food and bike tune ups.
“We created these events because we knew … that people are out there in Grand Rapids that want to try to ride bikes more, but maybe they’re out of habit or they’re just out of practice, intimidated or just need a little extra support,” Marta Johnson, the co-chair of Earth Month GR, told News 8.
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Some members of Earth Month GR hosted a bike rally in the Fulton Heights neighborhood last year. Johnson said it was “such a hit” that they decided to expand it to other neighborhoods in the city.
The group is planning a bike rally, open to all ages, in each ward. For each event, they’ve partnered with an organization to offer the free bike tune ups.
“We were intentional in inviting bike tune up partners that are located in the ward so that if people do run into a challenge, they know who to go to,” Johnson said. “They’re here to support and help and just want to help people have fun and ride bikes more, because it’s a great way to get around and get a little exercise, too.”
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The rallies are scheduled for April 22-24:
Ward 1: April 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Las Canchas, 250 Seward Avenue NW
Ward 2: April 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Switchback Gear Exchange, 2166 Plainfield Avenue NE
Ward 3: April 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Seeds of Promise, 401 Hall Street SE
On Saturday, April 27, Earth Month GR is hosting Earth Fest at Studio Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be free food, games and other activities. Community members can join one of several bike buses planned for the day to get to Earth Fest.
For more information on all the events, go to the Earth Month GR Facebook page. To sign up to volunteer, click here.
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