BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University will help sponsor “Bike Bemidji!,” an event to excite and educate the Bemidji community on the many benefits of riding a bicycle, on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The event is also sponsored by the Bemidji Area Climate Change Coalition, the Bemidji Skate and Bike Association, the Indigenous Environmental Network and Shifting Gears Bicycles.

“Bike Bemidji!” will begin with a ride around Lake Bemidji. Participants can either start at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji at 9 a.m., or join the ride en route at Lake Bemidji State Park at 10 a.m. or the Lincoln Elementary School trailhead at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments will be offered at both en route locations, and t-shirts will be provided to the first 75 participants in the ride.

The event will continue at Diamond Point Park with lunch and live music beginning at approximately 12 p.m., and free bike tune-ups will be offered from 1-3 p.m. The main park building will also host a variety of presentations on topics such as bike trails, winter biking, safety and adventure biking. There will also be an event for children.

Drawings for bike equipment and accessories will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend any of the day’s presentations can register for drawings in three categories – children, Bemidji State students and others.

All events are scheduled to take place rain or shine. For more information, contact Erika Bailey-Johnson, Bemidji State sustainability coordinator, at (218) 755-2560.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Sept. 20 – “Bike Bemidji!” event, co-sponsored by Bemidji State University, Bemidji Area Climate Change Coalition, the Bemidji Skate and Bike Association, the Indigenous Environmental Network and Shifting Gears Bicycles. 9 a.m. bike ride around Lake Bemidji, leaves from Diamond Point Park. Lunch and other events begin at noon at Diamond Point. Information: Erika Bailey-Johnson, Bemidji State University sustainability coordinator; (218) 755-2560.