Join us for a “Day on the Trails” Saturday, May 20th from 9 a.m. to noon at Belleville Transit Center
St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) – in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – is kicking off its Summer Riding Program on Saturday, May 20 with a “Day on the Trails.” This free, community event is taking place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Belleville Transit Center (718 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62220). It will feature a bike ride, nature walk, 5K Fun Run, food and music – as well as a youth bike helmet giveaway and fitting. There will also be an opportunity to register for the Summer Riding Program and pick up mileage tracking booklets. JuiceMasters, Bike Surgeon and Y-98 will be onsite, along with St. Clair County Transit District, Metro Transit and Citizens for Modern Transit.
Those interested can take part in a 1.5-mile nature walk and scavenger hunt, 5K fun run or 7-mile bike ride. Each will get underway at 9 a.m. from different starting points along the MetroBikeLink System and end at the Belleville Transit Center (Download the event map here). Everyone who participates in one of the activities will receive a free goodie bag and Summer Riding Program bracelet.
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt (1.5-miles) – 9:00 am start time
Starting Point: Swansea MetroLink Station – 236 Metro Way, Swansea, 62226
Led by Emily Wonnacott-Stanley with STEM at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, this walk will take participants along a scenic route to the Belleville Transit Center, while featuring a scavenger hunt that will have walkers looking for animal tracks, flowering plants, and wildlife along the trail.
Fun Run (5k) – 9:00 am start time
Starting Point: College MetroLink Station – 2622 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, 62221
Led by members of the Belleville Running Club, this fun run will take runners along a paved trail to the Belleville Transit Center. Runners and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to join the group.
Bike Ride (7-miles) – 9:00 am start time
Starting Point: Fairview Heights MetroLink Station – 9720 W. Route 161, Fairview Heights, 62208
Led by Ken Sharkey, the managing director of St. Clair County Transit District and biking enthusiast, this bike ride will take participants along a paved trail, past the Memorial Hospital and Swansea MetroLink Stations and end at the Belleville Transit Center.
The Summer Riding Program is much like those offered through libraries incentivizing kids to read, but instead of reading a certain number of minutes to earn prizes, SCCTD is encouraging participants to track miles on the MetroBikeLink system. From May 20 – August 15, 2023, those who participate can log miles as they ride, walk, wheel, skate or skip along the MetroBikeLink system and win prizes as highlighted below. Participants reaching 100 miles or more will be entered into a drawing for a free bike in August. Younger children are encouraged to ride with their parents on the system. The MetroBikeLink system provides ample opportunities to ride and explore for short or long excursions.
To make tracking easy, participants can register below to track their mileage online throughout the summer. Hard-copy mileage tracker booklets are also available for download below. Booklets and earned prizes can be picked up from the SCCTD office (27 N. Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyone Monday through Friday starting May 20. Individuals can also have booklets and prizes mailed to them by calling SCCTD at 618-628-8090.
Those tracking miles will have the ability to earn the following prizes:
- 10 miles – SCCTD Funglasses (sunglasses)
- 25 miles – MetroBikeLink water bottle
- 50 miles – SCCTD Summer Riding Program T-shirt
- 75 miles – Bike helmet (while supplies last)
- 100 miles – Bike mileage tracker
Click the button below to register your account to track your miles and earn prizes.
If you already have an account, click the button below to log your miles.
Click here to learn more about this summer-long program.
By your voluntary participation in the ‘Day on the Trails’ kick-off event and Summer Riding Program, you acknowledge and assume the responsibilities and risks associated with your participation.