Cedar Rapids Bike to Work Week: Save on Gas, Commute on the Cheap

Everyone always talks about wanting to see those fancy bike lanes being put to use after being installed around Cedar Rapids several years ago, well, here's your chance. Also--no painfully expensive gas or charging stations are needed!

It's just a good thing it didn't happen last week when we were slapped with record early-May heat but "Bike to Work Day" is commemorated on Friday, May 20. Cedar Rapids and Marion both have a whole week of "Bike to Work Week" activities planned. We should see temps in the 70s to low 80s at the most, according to KCRG.

Cedar Rapids

The week-plus schedule of festivities kicks off on Saturday, May 14 with the MPO Bike Ride (Included as part of Marion's activities as well).  Meet at 9:30 a.m. in Marion's Lowe Park at the Irish Drive parking lot (near Lowe Park baseball fields). Online registration is required. Register here.

The official start of "Bike to Work Week" begins Monday, May 16, with the Mayor’s Proclamation & Bike Ride. Meet at 112 2nd St SE (Jimmy Z's) at 7:30 a.m., then join Mayor Pro Tempore Ann Poe for the official Proclamation and opening bike ride.

Wednesday, May 18 is "Bike to Lunch". According to the City of Cedar Rapids website, "join your co-workers (at noon) and bike to lunch, near or far." At 6 p.m. at Marion City Square Park that evening, is the "Ride of Silence". "Join cyclists worldwide in a silent ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways."

Find out more information on Cedar Rapids' "Bike to Work Week" events and activities, including where you can stop for free refreshments and swag at various "pit stops" here.

Marion

According to Iowa's News Now, Marion officially kicks off "Bike to Work Week" Tuesday, May 17. At 7:30 a.m. an opening ride will start at Thomas Park, ending at City Square Park, followed by a mayoral proclamation.

On Wednesday, May 18, Marion also participates in the "Ride of Silence" described above under the Cedar Rapids schedule.

Thursday, May 19 is the "Pedal Marion" ride, starting at 6 p.m. it will take riders across the Marion trail system. A Helmets and Hops social gathering will follow, promoting local Uptown Marion businesses.

Finally, on Friday, May 20, Marion will recognize "National Bike to Work Day" with a 7:30 a.m. ride from Butterfield Park to City Square Park.

Both communities are celebrating the return of "Bike to Work Week" events following a two-year hiatus due to Coronavirus.