Bike Euclid News and Bicyclist of the Month

Eric Wernet riding one of Bike Euclid's official vehicles, a Worksman Industrial Trike, to haul disk golf gear to Sims Park. 

Bike Euclid is pleased to announce that we are now a chapter of Bike Cleveland. This closer working relationship will benefit residents of both communities as well as bicyclists throughout the region.

Bike Euclid’s first meeting of the new year took place Thursday March 2, 2017, 6-8pm at Euclid Brewing Company 21950 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. We discussed the work of 2016, events planned for 2017. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to map, track, and celebrate installation of new bike racks throughout the city of Euclid. To learn more and to get involved, go to the Bike Euclid page at www.facebook.com/euclidBIKES, and message us, or email to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.

Coming up soon

BIKEBIKE - A Commuting & Touring Forum, Sunday, April 23, 2017, 10am-3pm at the Beachland Ballroom: This is an exciting new event designed to enrich novice and expert alike. With an emphasis on active transportation and transportation equity, BIKEBIKE will showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give it a try. Learn best routes, gear, and methods to make your journey a success! The forum will include panel discussions on Bicycling and the Law, Commuting, and Touring, as well as hands-on working sessions and opportunity to meet and connect with others. Sponsors include Bike Cleveland, NOACA (Northern Ohio Area Coordinating Agency), the Cleveland YMCA, Cuyahoga County Planning, and Ohio’s Bike Lawyer, Steve Magas (who grew up in Euclid). A local woman will share her exciting experience touring the country by bike, and a local man will describe the workings of his handcycle. Workshops will be led by local bike shops and bike co-ops, including The Broadway Cyclery, Joy Machine, Blue Sky Bicycles, Village Cycle, Ohio City Bike Co-op, and St. Clair Bikeworks. Panel discussions on Touring, Commuting, and Law will be moderated by Radio Host and Author Diane (Lees) Jenks, The Outspoken Cyclist.

BIKEBIKE lays the groundwork for May, National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities across the country since 1956. Check our facebook page for the variety of ways you can celebrate National Bike Month in Euclid. Perhaps you have an idea we can help you promote. Look for more detail in the April and May Observers.

March Bicyclist of the month Eric Wernet, Euclid resident.

Where do you enjoy riding?

I enjoy riding the streets of Cleveland and the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Seeing the city from a bike gives me a better appreciation for the architecture and the intricacies of the city.

Do you ride year round? How do you dress for the cold?

I do ride year round but certainly not as much in the winter.  I prepare for the cold with a lot of layers.  The most important of which is the windblocking materials!  A good pair of mittens are an absolute necessity!!

You ride your bike to work. Describe the experience.

I do ride my bike to work.  It is a 6 mile commute and on the way into work is uphill, 100% of the time.  I enjoy it, it raises my heartrate and allows me to see what is around me in much slower detail.  My only real issues are on warmer days, getting ready to tackle the day after the sweaty ride in.  I am a school teacher and access to a shower would be a nice plus that I don't have.

If you could change or improve one thing about the experience, what would it be?

I feel like riding the streets is a good experience for me but I know it makes a lot of people hesitant and uncomfortable.  Having more dedicated bike lanes and more off street or bike only spaces would open up riding to a wider public.

Why do you ride?

I ride because the feeling of getting yourself from point A to Point B on my own power is exhilarating.  Taking the time to ride and observe the world around me is the goal.  I truly love to be out on my bike when I have the chance to do it.

If you would like to be considered for Bicyclist of the Month, submit a photograph of yourself on your bike and your responses to bikeEuclid@gmail.com.

Bike Euclid is a local advocacy group working to promote a comprehensive stress free bicycling network for transportation and pleasure, and to encourage and connect bicyclists to resources which support their safe and legal use of their bicycle. Bike Euclid is a chapter of Bike Cleveland.