Nothing beats a fun workout than a workout amongst friends. On Friday, August 11 the City of La Porte’s Parks and Recreation Department held its annual Night Bike Ride. Friends and families from all over the Region gathered on the crisp summer night to take part in a leisurely 13-mile bike ride.
“This is our department’s personal way of adding to all the amazing community events that our city has. It’s very dear to our hearts and we love putting it on several times each summer,” said Pam Carroll, recreation director for the City of La Porte’s Parks Department.
The City of La Porte’s Night Bike Ride has been bringing people together for years. The event has been a part of people’s lives through the best and worst of times and has become an integral part of the community.
“We just love how much it encourages everyone to socialize. It was especially great during COVID because it was one of the few events we could still hold since it was outside. It was a great way for everyone to come together and get some fresh air, and it’s still really important to us today,” said Carroll.
Many cities throughout the Region hold bike events, but what makes the City of La Porte’s Night Bike Ride so special is all of the city’s trails, especially the ones along the lake. The City of La Porte has slowly been working on connecting all of its trails throughout the city so people can bike and walk without ever having to be on the road.
“The Night Bike Ride crew has been slowly using the trails more and more over the years and it’s been great. It’s very exciting that we have so many trails here in La Porte and that they are continuing to put more in and connect them. I think within the next two years or so we’ll be able to hold a Night Bike Ride that is completely on the trails and that is super exciting. I think it’ll get even more people to come,” said Carroll.
Many people struggle to find a form of exercise that brings them excitement and happiness. That’s exactly why Carroll emphasized how important it is to the Parks Department staff that they provide people with plenty of opportunities to get outside and try different forms of exercise in a fun, relaxed setting.
“It’s our goal to get people outside and in nature and to help them find a way to enjoy exercising. Even if it’s just some leisurely exercise with some friends and family, it’s important for people to get out, get some fresh air, and get moving. Having a fun time while getting some exercise is truly the best,” said Carroll.
One glimpse at the Night Bike Ride crew as they rode through the city with their bikes and helmets adorned in colorful lights, laughing and making memories the entire way, was all anyone needed to know that this summer’s Night Bike Rides have been a huge hit.
The Parks Department plans on holding another Night Bike Ride on September 15. The ride will start promptly at 9 p.m. and there will be plenty of snacks for people to enjoy afterward. So, get ready to grab your friends and family, hop on your bike, and head out to the City of La Porte’s Parks and Recreation Administrative Office for an unforgettable night of fun.
“It’s community-generated fun, and that’s what we’re all about. The event is for everyone at every level and is just a great way to meet people and have some fun. Every year it continues to grow and I’m sure that as the trails continue to grow the event will grow with it,” said Carroll.
To learn more about the City of La Porte and the fun events it puts on for the community, visit https://www.cityoflaporte.com/.
