Check out a BikeFest near you
Ride along
I wonder how many of you have “broken” bikes in your garage collecting dust. Maybe a tire is flat, a chain is misguided, or there’s a clicking sound that just won’t stop. For one needed fix or another, your bike hasn’t made an appearance on the streets of Shreveport-Bossier City since, well, when again?
Bike Shreveport is changing that one BikeFest at a time.
The most recent BikeFest, hosted by Bike Shreveport and Great Raft Brewing, took place Aug. 15 at the brewery, and attracted cyclists of all skill levels. The attendance of both cyclists and #BikeGang members (see July/August CityLife issue’s “#BikeGang article) was double the size from the inaugural BikeFest in May.
So, what exactly is BikeFest? It’s a free, public event put on by Bike Shreveport, featuring bike tune-ups and ample opportunity to talk bikes with cycling enthusiasts.
“BikeFest is important to the culture of biking in Shreveport because of the viewpoint the general populace has in regards to bikes, which is that it’s a rich man’s toy or a poor man’s last resort of transportation,” said Bike Shreveport organizer Stephen Pederson. “It shows the general public who would otherwise be uninformed of the use of bikes that it is fun, safe and reliable and a form of exercise that fulfills your transportation and recreation needs.”
Stephenson and his team offered free tune-ups to anyone who showed up either with or on their two wheels – about 50 to be exact. Repairs included fixing squeaky breaks, fixing those clicking gears and demonstrating how to fix a flat tire. There were also a couple tables set up, covered in bicycle parts and Bike Shreveport items for sale with all proceeds going toward the Bike Container Bicycle Co-Op at 869 Texas Ave.
Councilman Jeff Everson was in attendance and excited to see how many passionate cyclists were there in support of it. “There’s been those of us in local government that have been advocating for bike paths and bike lanes, similar to a complete street model,” Everson said. “It’s in our master plan. It’s something we care about, but there are still a lot of people that don’t get it. These days when you see a swarm of bikes coming up to local businesses, riding by, going down the street – it does wonders. People don’t realize how important it is.”
These local businesses – including Great Raft – are seeing the importance and doing their part to reciprocate the support from the Bike Shreveport community.
“We enjoy teaming up with Bike Shreveport to host events to spread awareness for the growing bike culture here,” said co-founder Lindsay Johnson Nations. “We are trying to bring both craft beer and bike culture into the mainstream. Additionally, biking helps promote healthy living when a bike is used instead of a car; it helps make for a better and healthier Shreveport.”
Nations also commented on how inspiring it is to see a group of passionate people who are working hard to help make Shreveport a better place. “They are a group of friendly, selfless people who want to help make cycling easier and safer, and get more #buttsonbikes,” she said.
The friendliness of Bike Shreveport is one reason Valerie Loridans is part of the #BikeGang. “It’s friendly, low key, and accepting of all the diversity we have in this town,” the full-time nurse and yoga instructor said. “I would like to see more people riding bikes for pleasure or for transportation. It’s great for health and the environment. It’s a win-win.”
Giovanni Prosino, who has attended past Bike Shreveport rides, brought his bike to BikeFest for a tune-up. “I like that the city is moving toward a more human dimension, due to the growing bike movement.”
Local bands Bristol Hills and Irene and the Sleepers also performed at BikeFest 2. Dakota Clark, of the Bristol Hills, said each band member rides their bike, making it a natural fit for them.
Be sure to follow Bike Shreveport on Facebook for the opportunity to become a part of this growing community.
Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.
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