Photos courtesy of city of Chandler
Chandler residents are invited to pedal back in time with Mayor Kevin Hartke for a fun and leisurely bike ride along the scenic Paseo Trail during the 16th annual Chandler Family Bike Ride. The event takes place Saturday, April 6 at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot, 2100 S. Hamilton St., which is on the southwest corner of Germann Road and Hamilton Street next to Tumbleweed Park.
The theme for this year’s event is “Pedaling Through Time,” and participants are invited to dress themselves and decorate their bicycles in the iconic styles of their favorite decade. Event organizer Nancy Jackson says, “Our family bike ride has always been about fun, laughter, and creating cherished memories. This year we’ve added a nostalgic twist. Each decade has its unique flair, from the roaring ’20s to the groovy ’70s and beyond. It is a chance to celebrate the timeless joy of biking while paying homage to the eras that shaped us.”
This 7.8-mile ride is held in conjunction with Valley Bike Month (April). Check in and activities begin at 7:30 a.m. New this year, the city will host a Bike Show in which all ages are welcome to showcase their wheels – from vintage classics to sleek modern rides. Prizes will be awarded for the most unique, best themed, and crowd favorite.
The bike ride will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Riders, guided by the Chandler Police Bike Team, will bike along the Paseo Trail south to Crossbow Park, and back. Upon return, cyclists can enjoy a free Kona Ice to celebrate.
Family Bike Ride participants will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last), and there will be light refreshments, along with information about bicycle safety, transit services, and related topics.
“I always look forward to the annual Family Bike Ride,” Mayor Hartke says. “It is a great way to join with others who share in the love of cycling and allows everyone the opportunity to experience the Paseo Trail, a key connector for cyclists in our community. And I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone geared up in their favorite decade.”
All participants are asked to pre-register online at chandleraz.gov/events/16th-annual-chandler-family-bike-ride. While creativity and fun are encouraged, safety remains the top priority. Participants are required to wear helmets, and asked to obey traffic laws, and stay hydrated throughout the ride.
If you’re not able to attend the community event or would rather ride in the comfort of your own neighborhood or park, the city will also offer a virtual bike event from April 7 through April 14. Grab your family and friends and ride anytime during the weeklong event. Virtual riders who pre-register will receive a free t-shirt, while supplies last.
The Chandler Family Bike Ride is presented by the city’s Transportation Policy Division, with support from various city departments.
For more information, contact Nancy Jackson at 480-782-3442 or [email protected].
