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Waubonsee Community College invites community members of all ages and skill levels to pedal for a purpose at the fourth annual Bike the Burbs event on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Held at the Aurora Downtown Campus with activities centered in the Hoyt Street Parking Lot, this free event combines family recreation, health, and community service to combat student food insecurity.
This year, Bike the Burbs will support the Illinois Community College Board’s (ICCB) annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive, which runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 30 to help fight student hunger and support local food pantries. During the event, Waubonsee’s campus shuttle will be parked on-site for the "Stuff the Bus" campaign. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to help fill the bus before taking part in the rides or festivities.
Designed for cyclists of all levels, the event features guided group rides along the Fox River Trail with volunteer support, giving participants the flexibility to turn around at any point up to Harner’s Bakery, four miles out. Attendees can also take advantage of complimentary bike safety checks and free on-site loaner bicycles and helmets (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Cyclists and non-riders alike can enjoy complimentary pre-and post-ride snacks (while supplies last), live music, lawn games, and local refreshments from Dapper Brews Coffee and Legacy Nutrition & Fitness.
"Student success begins when students have what they need," said Dr. Kimberly Chavis, Provost and Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success. "Bike the Burbs gives our community a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy the day, and directly provide for our students. Food insecurity should never stand in the way of an education, and this shows what we can accomplish when we join together.”
National studies indicate that up to 40% of community college students face food insecurity. All donations collected during Bike the Burbs and throughout the six-week Feed the Need drive will directly restock Waubonsee’s student food pantry, The G.R.O.V.E. Housed at Waubonsee’s new Center for Student Assistance, The G.R.O.V.E. serves as a centralized hub where staff Gather Resources and Offer Vital Essentials for students, ensuring students and area families maintain reliable access to nutritious meals throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Community members can participate by riding their own bicycles or stopping by to drop off food donations and enjoy the festivities. For more information and to register, visit waubonsee.edu/biketheburbs.
