In addition to open shop hours, the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign sponsors or supports a number of annual outreach events.
CRANKSGIVING:
Cranksgiving, a charity event that benefits the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, has taken place every Thanksgiving season since 2008. It’s an alternative take on a traditional food drive that was originally started by bike messengers in New York City. Find out more information at the website chambanacranksgiving.blogspot.com
C-U BIKE to WORK DAY:
Aiming to promote bicycling as a viable commuting option for residents of all experience levels, participants in CU Bike to Work Day will be able to stop by stations located at employment centers throughout the Greater Champaign Urbana area for snacks, drinks, and information regarding cycling in CU.
LIGHT the NIGHT:
Light the Night is an annual free bicycle light giveaway, funded by the Campus Area Transportation Study (CATS) agencies: the University of Illinois, C-U MTD, the City of Urbana and the City of Champaign. Since 2008, volunteers have helped to install over 800 sets of bicycle lights each year. In addition to providing the lights, the goal of the event is to help educate the public that state law in Illinois requires bicycles to have a front light and rear reflector, at minimum, when riding at night.