The Grand Opening highlighted the township’s long commitment to promoting bike safety. The township Bike Safety Program started in the 1960s, with its Bike Safety Village which was located next to the old township hall on Arlington Heights Road. Several of the attendees pointed out that they had taken bike safety classes at the old course when they were grade school students. The event also put a spotlight on the township’s Youth Services Department which uses the Challenge course for many of their social skill building and youth empowerment classes.
Township Supervisor George Busse kicked off the event by welcoming the crowd and special guests. He spoke about the township’s long history of bike safety and youth services and how he was excited about being able to get these two important courses back up and running again. Comments were also made by Mount Prospect Mayor Paul Hoeffert and Elk Grove Village Deputy Mayor Chris Prochno. Both emphasized the value of promoting bicycle safety and the need for youth programs that build self-confidence, communication and social skills, and teamwork. Following the speeches, the official ribbon-cutting took place. Other elected officials participating in the ribbon cutting included state Representatives Michelle Mussman and Jennifer Salanitro, Cook County Commissioners Maggie Trevor and Kevin Morrison, Mount Prospect Trustee Vince Dante and Township Trustees Brian Maye, Dale Niewiardowski, and David Perns.
Children at the Grand Opening were given the opportunity to ride on the Bike Safety Course and Township Youth Services Director Renee Dorn led a brief teamwork class on the Challenge Course. Members of the Elk Grove Village Fire and Police departments were also present and allowed parents and children to get a close look at their police cars, fire trucks and ambulances.
Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove Village played a key role at the event. In the week leading up to course opening, the group helped assess, clean, and repair all township bicycles to ensure that they were in good shape for riders. Mike Cavallini, vice president of the organization, was at the event talking with attendees and answering questions about bicycling. The group’s generous donation of helmets and bells, which were used as raffle prizes, added to the excitement of the day’s festivities.
The township has Open Ride Days scheduled this fall for parents and their children. Open Ride Days allow young families to ride together in a fun, safe environment. The township will be offering bike safety classes to schools and community groups starting next spring and will offer monthly classes for all township residents. There are also plans to use the course for senior walk mornings. The Challenge Course is already being regularly used by the township youth programs.
“We were thrilled to see such a good turnout for the grand opening of our Bicycle Safety and Challenge Courses,” said Township Supervisor Busse. “With the support of our local officials, community partners and residents, I know these courses and the associated programs will have a positive impact on the safety, health and well-being of the youth in and around our township.”
For information about the Bicycle Safety and Challenge courses and associated programs, visit elkgrovetownship.com or follow the Township on its social media.
