Shaker Historical Bike Tours Available Now

The Shaker Heights Historical Society is now taking reservations for bicycle tours of the city's historic sites.

The tour, an 8.7-mile ride, starts at the Historical Museum on S. Park Boulevard and takes riders on a loop south to Van Aken, northeast on residential streets to Shaker Square, and back to the Historical Society along Shaker Lakes.

The route passes Jacob Russell's grave, the civic center, Aldersyde and Woodside Elementary Schools, Plymouth Church and the Van Sweringen residence.

The tours started last spring when a board member donated eight single-speed bicycles to the Shaker Historical Society. 

Executive assistant Stephanie Scharf said that the bike tours have been well-received with residents. "We do want to attract families, and younger people, to the Shaker Heights Historical Society, and also to see Shaker Heights," she added.

According to the tour's website, the tour should take one and a half to two hours. It's $5 to rent a bike and take a self-guided tour, which are available any time the center is open Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For $10 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays, riders can have a guided bike tour with a docent who navigates traffic and talks about the historical sites along the way.

Riders can also bring their own bikes. Helmets are not provided.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation, visit the website or call (216) 921-1201.