EVERETT — There are things you miss at 35 mph.
For instance, the chance to chat with a neighbor who’s walking a dog or tending a lawn.
Riding his bike gives Tyler Rourke another view of Everett. He wants to share that with others — along with his shortcuts.
Rourke founded a local group called “Everett Bike Walk.” On April 21, the group plans its second annual bicycle tour of the city. The event is called “Tour de E.F.D.” Stops are planned at each Everett fire station.
“Anybody is welcome,” he said. “We’re going to go nice and slow.”
Rourke, a 38-year-old engineer, lives in the Glacier View neighborhood with his wife, Brittney, and sons Reece, 5, and Bryan, 3. Earlier this year, he was one of the finalists for an empty City Council seat, which went to Ethel McNeal. He also serves as chairman for the city’s transportation advisory committee and was named this year as a finalist for The Herald Business Journal’s Emerging Leaders award.
About 65 people participated in last year’s “Tour de E.F.D.,” including Cassie Franklin, now Everett’s mayor.
Rourke hopes to see an even larger crowd this time around.
“There are people who are really into biking and that’s their thing, their weekend hobby,” he said. “I want people to realize they don’t have to be that to get on their bike and have fun. Just getting out and seeing the city at a slower pace and from a different perspective can really encourage them.”
Attendees can ride the entire tour, or just one section. The event is family-friendly, especially the first leg, which is on the Interurban Trail. Children riding on their own should be comfortable going four or five miles and might need help at intersections, Rourke said.
Last year, a lot of people brought their kids in trailers pulled behind their bikes.
Rourke has a similar setup for Reece and Bryan.
“I’ll be peddling them along,” he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.
How to participate
• A free bike-riding event around Everett, called the “Tour de E.F.D.,” is planned for April 21. Riders can do portions, and the pace is friendly for beginners. Stops are planned at each Everett fire station.
• Everett Bike Walk, a community group, meets at 4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the Sno-Isle Food Co-op. Everyone is welcome.
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