Explore more by pedaling through the preserves
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
You might have hiked on our trails, but have you explored Will County on a bike? Biking is a great way to cover more ground and explore more of the county. You’re also participating in the state exercise of Illinois!
But before we talk about riding, let’s check that you are prepared. As they say, “safety first!”
Bicycle safety
To prepare your bike for the ride, make sure:
Your bike is comfortable for you. While sitting, you should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably, not bending forward too far or putting all your weight on your wrists. While riding, you should be able to extend your legs without feeling like you are struggling to reach the pedals. You can move your seat up or down to find the right height for you.
Your tires are inflated properly. Don’t know how much air there should be? There are numbers on your tire in a range. For example, 55-75 psi. If you pump your tires in that range, you should be good to go! If you don’t ride every day, check your tires about once a week. (You might need an adult’s help with these first two).
Your brakes are working properly.
You have reflectors and lights, especially if riding in the evening.
Any extra things that you put on your bike — bells, baskets, streamers, lights and bags — are all secure.
Personal safety
To prepare yourself for the ride, make sure:
You feel comfortable riding! There’s nothing wrong with practicing outside your home or around the school lot before a longer ride.
You wear a helmet! While bicycling is a fun and safe activity overall, accidents can happen. It’s best to protect that big, beautiful brain of yours!
You are hydrated. Don’t forget to pack a water bottle.
You pack whatever other essentials you need. Do you need a snack? Sunscreen?
You wear comfy clothes and tuck in any strings on shoes or pants.
Outside safety
To prepare for whatever may happen beyond our control, make sure:
To map out which trails you are taking. In the Will County forest preserves, bicycles may only be used on designated paths, trails or roadways. Bicycles may not be used on natural surface trails. You can find a list of trails where you can ride on the Forest Preserve District biking webpage.
You find someone to ride with! Not only is it safer, but it’s also more fun to bike with friends and family.
To check the weather. If it’s sunny in the morning and might rain in the afternoon, then a morning ride is best.
To be a good neighbor. Other people are outside. Be aware of yourself and who is walking around you, riding around you and driving around you. Leave space on trails for other users. If you need to pass someone, it is common to do so on the left. And so others know you are coming, call out “on your left!” before going around them.
If using an e-bike, it must meet the following requirements: must be Class 1; must have an electric motor of less than 750 watts; much have a maximum speed of 20 mph; must have functional pedals; must have a rider at least 16 years old.
Don’t have a bike?
If you are riding the I&M Canal State Trail, there are bike rentals along the trail, including in Lemont and Lockport. Look for more information at Bike – I & M Canal
Why ride?
There are many reasons to go for a ride, here are some of the biggest:
It’s fun!
You can explore more. Which sounds more doable: a 7-mile hike or a 7-mile bike ride? While you might miss a few wildflowers, you will cover more ground and might see some parts of trails you might have missed otherwise.
It’s a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. (Or at least, not as much)
It’s a nice way to clear your mind and momentarily forget whatever is worrying you.
It’s an activity you can do together with your friends, siblings, parents and even grandparents.
Next time you want to want to get outside, consider hitting the trails with your tires and pedaling through the Will County forest preserve bikeways.