Biketacular set for this Saturday

Mayor Chris Beutler encourages area residents to attend the city’s first biketacular May 30 south of the state Capitol along Goodhue Boulevard. The free event, set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m., includes food, a bike rodeo, bike mechanical checks and licensing, kids races, and the return of the Capital City Criterium with pro and semipro racing. Beutler will kick off a kids bike parade at 12:15 p.m. and then draw for prizes, including two free children’s bikes. Free parking is available in the lot south of the Capitol (enter from 16th Street).The biketacular is hosted by the city and the Near South and Everett neighborhood associations and supported by a grant from NeighborWorks America, plus local agencies and businesses. Mayoral aide Jon Carlson, who manages the Stronger Safer Neighborhoods program, said the idea came from a national workshop hosted by Neighborworks America in California last fall. “Biketacular is a way to showcase two of Lincoln’s great assets – strong neighborhoods and an energized bicycling community,” he said. “We hope to increase community awareness of the importance of walking and biking as well as the convenience and high quality of life you can enjoy in the beautiful neighborhoods near downtown, UNL and the state Capitol.” About 100 adult racers are expected to compete in the Criterium from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The main entrance of McPhee Elementary will serve as the starting and ending location of the course. The race is a USA Cycling-sanctioned event with six divisions. Medals will be awarded in all races, and cash prizes totaling $1,500 are offered in select categories. The McPhee parking lot will host activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including the bike rodeo. Volunteers will help children decorate bikes for the 12:15 p.m. parade. Children completing the bike rodeo will receive prizes and be entered into drawings. Kids races begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact Carlson at 402-441-7224. For more information about the Criterium, contact Bike Pedalers co-owner Sean Craig at 402-261-3003.