Community Bike Festival Set for May 18

When the Community Bike Festival rolls into the University Area Community Complex from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, accompanying it will come a 40-bike special delivery to kids in the community. Hillsborough County's Office of Community Impact is teaming up with Hillsborough County Public Schools to identify students with the greatest need for reliable transportation to and from school. The 40 kids receiving these bikes, along with their families, will take part in the festivities, including:

• Bike helmet fittings
• Safety course
• Free giveaways from community partners

The end of the school year later this May means an increase in youth biking. Access to a bicycle and the proper safety equipment will help ensure that our local kids are able to gain some independence this summer, while also providing access to a recreation opportunity (biking!) in the great outdoors. The Community Bike Festival is a great opportunity for kids to embrace health and wellness and get a better understanding of road and bike safety so they can be well-prepared for interacting with our roadways.

The event is free and open to the public. However, only the 40 pre-selected children will receive a free bike at the event. Attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes to and from the event. Partners include Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff's Hispanic and Indian Advisory Councils, HART, Walk Bike Tampa, Well Built Tampa, Johns Hopkins, OnBikes, Baycare, and Bikes for Christ. Many of these organizations and more will be on site handing out information and giveaways to families.