2 minute read
Peddling in the Moonlight
2021 Moonlight Bike Ride
By Karen Hammond
The Moonlight Bike Ride benefiting Paducah Cooperative Ministry is rolling again! Over the past seven years, cyclists from across our region have raised more than $100,000 for the Paducah Cooperative ministry. Since its founding, Paducah’s cyclists have enjoyed the easy 10-mile ride under a full, beautiful, summer moon through Paducah’s Lower Town, Downtown, and West End.
This year’s event will take place on July 31 – with a few changes to ensure safety. Riders usually gather at the BikeWorld parking lot on Joe Clifton Drive in Paducah - that will still be the starting and finishing point for the event. But, instead of everyone setting off at the same time, riders can choose to begin their ride anytime between 8 and 10pm. The option of a rolling start will help participants follow CDC distancing protocols and avoid crowding.
Back this year is live music in the BikeWorld parking lot as well as slices of juicy watermelon for participants before and after the ride. Paducah Bank Ice Cream Truck will be present with free, refreshing treats for the riders!
Here’s how to put yourself on the road:
To participate the cost is $15 for youth 5-16 years of age and $25 for adults. Register to ride at moonlightridepaducah.com any time between now and July 31. Register before July 16 to receive a free, commemorative tee shirt. Visit BikeWorld between 7:30pm and 10pm on July 31st, collect your tee shirt, and set off on your ride. End the ride back at BikeWorld, sign the event banner, take a photo of yourself, and post it on Moonlight Ride’s Facebook page facebook. com/Moonlightbikeride.
All proceeds go to benefit Paducah Cooperative Ministry’s work of meeting basic human needs including housing, emergency groceries, and help with rent, utilities, food, transportation assistance, mental health services as well as parenting, money management, and life skills education
Street Safety Tips
As in the past, riders and motor vehicles will share the streets. Streets are not closed to traffic. From 8pm to 10pm there will be guides at most intersections to assist with traffic control, but riders should rely on their own eyes and ears. You are welcome to ride after 10pm but there won’t be any intersection guides.
In Kentucky, your bike must have a red reflector or rear light visible for at least 100 feet, and a red or a flashing red light visible from the rear of the bike for at least 500 feet. These must be used beginning one-half hour before sunset. Sunset in Paducah on July 31 is at 8:02pm. In Kentucky, your bike may not have a siren or whistle but may be equipped with a bell or horn.
Lights & Helmets, Please
Riders are expected to follow all standard safety procedures. This will include wearing safety helmets, abiding by all traffic laws, and having lights on their bikes. Make sure your bike is well maintained and in good working order. Riders under 14 must have an adult accompanying them.
In addition, there will be low-cost glow sticks and lots of fun neon decorations available to purchase at the event until supplies run out. Riders are highly encouraged to deck out their rides with glow sticks. This will light up the bikes for added safety and it will look cool!
For more information please visit moonlightridepaducah.com.
