University Park Alliance and UA to host Akron Bike Week events

Bicycling to work, to school, to the store or even to a movie in Akron's University Park neighborhood not only can be done, it can be fun. As part of Akron Bicycle Week, Aug. 22-30, University Park Alliance (UPA) and The University of Akron (UA) are offering a series of events to help residents, students and visitors rekindle their love for the bicycle. 

UPA will host the University Park Bicycle Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, Aug. 24. "Part Road Race, Part Scavenger Hunt of Heroic Proportion," the race begins at the University Bike Shop, 160 E. Exchange St., (next to Dairy Queen) with registration at 1 pm. and the race starting at 2 p.m. Comprised of various challenges and tasks, the bicycle scavenger hunt will provide participants 18 and older with opportunities to reap rewards for their skills in speed, planning and navigation. Tickets are available for $5 through Saturday, Aug. 23 at the University Bike Shop, 160 E. Exchange St. Proceeds benefit bicycle programs at Leggett and Mason Elementary Schools. 

UPA will continue to celebrate Akron Bicycle Week on Monday, Aug. 25, with Bike Movie Night, sponsored by Summa Foundation, from 5-9 p.m., at Gardner Theater in The University of Akron Student Union. Encouraged to arrive on bicycles, event goers from the community and campus will enjoy free popcorn and a chance to win prizes as they view "Breaking Away" at 5 p.m., "Yellow Bike Project" at 7 p.m. and "The Bicycle Thief " at 7:15 p.m. A free indoor bike valet will be available and Akron Children's Hospital and University Bike Shop will provide helmets for $7.50. For more information about the scavenger hunt or bike movie night contact UPA at 330-972-8859 or info@upakron.com.

On Aug. 27, UA Recreation and Wellness Services will sponsor Tires and Train Outdoor Adventure Ride, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Carroll and S. Union streets. Participants, 18 and older, will have the opportunity to try out new sections of the towpath and ride the train. Cost for the train is $2 (cash only). Helmets are mandatory and registration is required. For more information, call 330-972-8082.

UA has selected Aug. 28 as Bike to Campus Day. The university will provide showers and bicycle parking racks to participants who are encouraged to ride their bikes to the University Bike Shop where they can spin a prize wheel. For more information visit www.uakron.edu/parking.

A UA Cycling Club Ride is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. Participants, who are required to wear helmets, will leave from the UA Student Recreation and Wellness Center. 

For more details about these and other Akron Bike Week events, visit http://www.akronbikeinfo.org.