Imagine not just a few bikes cruising through Eau Claire’s streets, but an entire community coming together on two wheels. That’s the vision behind Wisconsin Bike Week, a yearly event that goes beyond cycling. It’s a tribute to unity, outdoor engagement, and the increasing push for accessible biking across the state.
This year’s Bike Week in Eau Claire will run from June 1 to June 8, once again aiming to promote bike safety, highlight the economic benefits of cycling, and offer residents and visitors plenty of chances to explore the area by bike, according to Visit Eau Claire.
Nicole Billings, co-director of the Valley Girls cycling club and current chair of the City of Eau Claire Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), is preparing for her third Bike Week since moving to Eau Claire.
While the event may be called “Bike Week,” Billings emphasized that it’s about much more than riding bikes. It underscores Eau Claire’s commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation and the broader benefits it brings to the community.
“The cycling community goes well beyond just people who are passionate about cycling,” Billings said. “(Bike Week) impacts the entire community: the economy of the community, the mental health of the community, the physical wealth of the community, the connectedness of the community.”
Educational opportunities will also play a major role throughout the week, aimed at encouraging broader community involvement in cycling and the outdoors. Local organizations including the Valley Girls, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and Menomonie Market Food Co-op will host information booths and lead community events to kickstart summer cycling.
More than 15 organizations are partnering with the Wisconsin Bike Federation to support this initiative, helping to create a wide-reaching, collaborative celebration.
The week’s events will begin and end with community parties at Haymarket Plaza (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire). The opening celebration on Sunday, June 1, will feature a beach-themed six-mile ride. Then, on Friday, June 6, the official Bike Week Party will wrap up the festivities, complete with awards and prizes presented by BPAC and joined by organizers from throughout the week.
Another highlight: the return of Morning Bike Commuter Stations, a much-loved feature making its comeback for the first four days of Bike Week. Cyclists riding in the morning can stop by these designated stations to grab free coffee, enjoy a light breakfast, and get their bikes checked for safety.
“The overall focus (of Bike Week) is to get more people thinking about biking — both for recreation and transportation,” said Jeremy Gragert, president of Bike Chippewa Valley. “I’ve been able to see over time how small groups of people can advocate to make a more bike-friendly community.”
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a curious beginner, Wisconsin Bike Week in Eau Claire offers a chance to connect, explore, and help shape a more bike-friendly city — one ride at a time.
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