The Tour de France just ended, but the Tour de Skokie runs through July. Unlike France, there is no bike race, but it involves bikes and a lot more. Tour de Skokie celebrates Al’s Cycle Shop’s 50 years in Skokie.

One of the features is a self-guided downtown storefront storybook tour showcasing Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley. Downtown businesses display pages from comic creator Knisley’s book about the neighborhood coming together for a bike ride. Although a children’s book, the message of safer streets is for all ages.

The tour starts at Skokie Public Library and, fittingly, ends at Al’s Cycle Shop, where I purchased my newest bike. The total distance is about a mile across a few streets.

Throughout the month I saw an increase in foot traffic as folks walked the route following the book’s adventure unfolding in each store window. It was especially nice seeing parents reading to their youngsters and using it as an education for bike safety. It really did bring together the community.

I used the walk to visit my favorite businesses. I bought muffins at Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Cafe, a salad from Will’s Place and a pizza slice from Village Inn. I also checked out new businesses like Don Julio Cafe and RJ Breaks, a sports memorabilia store.

— John Wroblewski, online writer