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Colonial National Historical Park Hosts National Bike Month Events

Participants celebrating National Bike Month on a scenic parkway.

News Summary

This weekend, Colonial National Historical Park in Williamsburg will celebrate National Bike Month with two key events: ‘Pedal the Parkway,’ offering a vehicle-free biking experience, and ‘Bikes Out of Hibernation,’ providing free bike maintenance services. Attendees can explore the scenic Parkway safely while learning about bike safety and maintenance. These events highlight community collaboration and aim to promote healthy and active lifestyles.

Williamsburg — This weekend, Colonial National Historical Park will host two major events in celebration of National Bike Month. The calendar highlights are the “Pedal the Parkway” event on Saturday, which will encourage biking, walking, and running along a designated vehicle-free section of the iconic Colonial Parkway, and the “Bikes Out of Hibernation” event that will offer bike maintenance services.

Event Details

The “Pedal the Parkway” event will take place from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, during which a 7-mile stretch of the Colonial Parkway will be closed to all vehicles. This closure will facilitate a safer environment for attendees to enjoy various physical activities along the scenic Parkway. The restricted access will span from Route 199 at Kingsport to Route 359 at Jamestown from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, vehicles will still be permitted to access Jamestown Island via Jamestown Road during these hours.

Parking will be available at both the Jamestown Visitor Center and Jamestown Settlement. Attendees aged 16 and older will need to purchase a visitor entrance pass, which costs $15 and is valid for seven consecutive days.

Bikes Out of Hibernation

Running concurrently on Saturday is the “Bikes Out of Hibernation” event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Jamestown Settlement. This free event is designed to help cyclists prepare their bikes for the upcoming riding season. Participants can take advantage of bike inspections, safety checks, and minor adjustments, thanks to the collective efforts of local bike advocacy groups, James City County Parks & Recreation, and nearby bike shops.

More than 30 volunteers will be on hand to provide free tire pumping, safety inspections, and adjustments. The event will also emphasize bike safety education, focusing on essential maintenance tips known as the ‘ABCs’—air, brakes, and chains. Additionally, free helmets will be available alongside fittings, and refreshments will be provided.

Encouraging Safe Riding

Claudia Smith, one of the event organizers, highlights the importance of routine bike maintenance for safety, urging attendees to take advantage of the services offered. Participants are encouraged to explore the Virginia Capital Trail after preparing their bikes, making for a full day of outdoor activity.

Community Support

This weekend’s events represent a collaborative effort between Colonial National Historical Park, BikeWalk Williamsburg, and Williamsburg Area Bicyclists, showcasing the community’s support for cycling and outdoor activities. Park Superintendent Jerri Marr has expressed excitement about the events and gratitude toward advocacy groups for their involvement and support.

Contact Information

For those interested in more details about the “Bikes Out of Hibernation” event, individuals can reach out through email at info@wabonline.com.

The dual events aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, encourage the use of bicycles, and enhance community engagement in Williamsburg, all while celebrating National Bike Month.