ABOUT THE ELYRIA BIKE INITIATIVE
The City of Elyria, through the leadership of the Office of Mayor Frank Whitfield, is committed to ensuring Elyria is the most bikeable, walkable, commuter-friendly community in our region. On Wednesday, June 10th, 2020, Mayor Frank Whitfield proclaimed every Wednesday night between June and September to be Bike Night, promoting health and wellness throughout the City of Elyria, as well as honoring Elyrian Arthur Lovett Garford, who invented what it now known as the Garford Saddle, a revolution to the bicycle saddle/seat that many riders enjoy today.
Beginning in 2020, the City of Elyria host an annual bike donation drive in the late spring/early summer months to begin the cycling season. Interested parties are able to donate new and youth bikes, adult bikes, and parts for refurbishment and distribution throughout the City. This year, donors are able to drop off bikes and parts during Build-A-Bike service events at West Park on Saturday, May 21. Donation drop-off or pickup can be arranged outside of the Bike Donation Drive or Build-A-Bike by calling the Office of the Mayor and Safety Service Director at 440-326-1402, or the Elyria Bicylce Education Center at 440-323-2453.
Build-A-Bike Service Events are opportunities for our community to come together and serve for a greater good. Join the City of Elyria and the Elyria Bicycle Educator Center to organize, clean/sanitize, and repair/refurbish used bicycles to get them ready for distribution. No prior experience is necessary, as any interested volunteer will receive basic bike maintenance and mechanics training. See the upcoming builds below:
| Date | Time | Location |
| May 22 (Volunteer Prep) |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. volunteers may arrive at any time; there is no such thing as ‘late to serve.’ |
West Park Garage, 1200 Foster Avenue, Elyria OH 44035 |
| May 29 (Volunteer Prep) | ||
| Official Build-A-Bike Event: June 5 |
Through this initiative, the Office of the Mayor, as well as the Elyria Parks and Recreation Department, host a variety of guided community rides and bike-specific programming for riders of all ages, including:
- We Ride: Guided Family Rides: 1-hour or less guided family-friendly rides through Lorain County Metroparks in the City of Elyria.
- We Ride: Bike Ride with Mayor Frank Whitfield: 1-hour or more pre-routed rides throughout the City of Elyria; each ride is escorted by Elyria Auxilary Police, and is held on city streets.
- Bike Skills 101: 2-day bicycle skills mastery course for children that know how to ride, but need support with group riding, road riding, and general bike skills.
- Learn to Ride: Adult & Me Class: 1-day class for adults teaching children to ride who do not already do so. Both adult and child will be coached throughout the experience, in the hopes of having confident young riders by the end of class.
HOW TO GET A BIKE
We’re eager to ensure as many people as possible are able to get out, be active, and explore our beautiful community by bike. Elyria residents are able to request a free bicycle by completing the request form, or calling the Office of the Mayor and Safety Service Director at 440-326-1402.
Please note: bicycle distributions are scheduled based on available inventory, requestor need, and/or bicycle size comparative to height. Although we are commited to getting Elyrians out and riding, we cannot guarantee that every requester will find something that meets their needs.
UPCOMING BIKE RIDES
Looking to get out and ride, but unsure where to start? Join us for upcoming We Ride events. We Ride bike rides are fun, public rides throughout the City of Elyria for riders of various abilities. Check out our family-friendly, and experienced rider options below.
We Ride: Bike Ride with Mayor Frank Whitfield
Get active & explore the City of Elyria by bike with Mayor Frank Whitfield! Each scheduled ride begins and ends in the City Hall Parking Lot, however, riders are able to join the ride at any point during the route. Bring some water and your energy – you’ll need it as you traverse our beautiful City.
| Date & Time |
| June 1 at 5:30 p.m. |
| July 6 at 5:30 p.m. |
| August 3 at 5:30 p.m. |