Bike Walk Oak Park is sending riders to the ballot box Sunday, Oct. 25, with a community bike ride that doubles as an early voting trip to Village Hall.
The group's Roll to the Polls ride starts at 1 p.m. at Whittier Elementary and makes five school pickup stops before arriving at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St., around 2 p.m., the Wednesday Journal reported. Stops along the way include Holmes, Brooks, Lincoln, Irving and Longfellow elementary schools. Riders can join at whichever stop is closest to them.
"We're going to try and sort of ramp up early voting," said Michael Eriksen, one of the event organizers. "I know that's an important way to participate in democracy."
Village Hall is open for early voting on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 2, according to the village's weekly report. Monday through Saturday hours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grace-period voter registration is also available during early voting hours for residents who missed the registration deadline. Valid identification is required, and a vote must be cast immediately after registering.
The route follows the same path as a previous Bike Walk Oak Park advocacy ride focused on bike safety and the village's Vision Zero plan. Eriksen said new road infrastructure like flashing beacons has made a noticeable difference for cyclists, though he added there is still more work needed for riders of all ages and abilities to feel safe on Oak Park streets.
The village has been installing traffic calming treatments on its Neighborhood Greenway Network, including speed cushions and traffic diverters near schools and parks, as part of its Vision Zero Action Plan.
The event is open to everyone, including children and people who don't plan to vote. Organizers encourage participants to decorate their bikes. Eriksen said riders have attached balloons and brought bubbles to previous events.
Ride marshals will lead the front and back of the group to keep everyone together.
Zemi Coffee Cart, a pedal-powered coffee business, will meet riders at Village Hall around 2 p.m. A second ride is planned for Sunday, Nov. 1, at the same times and stops. RSVP is optional and available on the event website.
