Elgin infused with more biking

By Alan Barney

The City of Elgin introduced a motivating and fun program to encourage its residents to shop by bike in the downtown area. Nearly 50 businesses signed up for Elgin by Bike, a two-month program run by Elgin’s Downtown Neighborhood Association program.

“From Al’s Café and Creamery to Topnotch Tattoo, (local businesses) are taking part in the Elgin by Bike campaign,” said the association’s Jennifer Benson.

For every 10 businesses visited, participants received a prize, such as a bicycle light or gift certificate, and were entered into a grand prize drawing for a new Raleigh bicycle from Main Street Bicycles in Carpentersville.

"We're happy to do anything green to save the planet for our grandchildren," said Lou Gramm, owner of Elgin Public House and one of the businesses participating in Elgin by Bike. She and co-owner Gregg Shannonare are enthusiastic supporters of bicyclists, and their restaurant is a popular stop for riders on the Fox River Trail that runs through downtown Elgin. “The only thing missing is enough bicycle racks for the growing number of bikers!"

Elgin by Bike was made possible by a grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation and the City of Elgin. Elgin hired Active Trans to execute the program, with the League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB) working as a sub-consultant. Elgin hired the Active Transportation Alliance to develop and execute the Elgin by Bike and other programs that increase bike safety.

Elgin implemented its own Bicycling Ambassador program. Marjorie Gohl and Tom Armstrong, two Elgin residents, were hired to travel around the Elgin area on their bicycles to spread the word about biking and bike safety at local summer camps, festivals and farmers’ markets, among other venues.

A third initiative was Elgin Bike and Dine, held on September 19, which included a 13-mile bike ride and a progressive dinner at five Elgin eateries.

"Bike and Dine was a very successful event," Gohl said. "We were able to visit local restaurants by bicycle, which helps Elgin's economy and shows people how easy it is to use a bicycle for transportation."

Alan Barney is a ModeShift contributor.