The City of Topeka invites residents to join City Manager Dr. Robert Perez on a bike ride in honor of National Bike Month. “Bike Ride with Your City Manager” will take place on Friday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. starting at City Hall, 215 SE 7th St. Community members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in the casual group ride, which aims to promote healthy living, bike-friendly transportation, and civic engagement.

“Bicycling is a great way to connect with our community and enjoy all that Topeka has to offer,” said Dr. Perez. “I’m excited to ride alongside residents and highlight the importance of safe, accessible transportation options for everyone.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets. Limited bikes will be available for use by contacting andy@cycleproject.org. City staff and representatives from local biking organizations will be on hand to provide support and information.

National Bike Month, celebrated each May, promotes the many benefits of bicycling and encourages more people to give biking a try. The City of Topeka is proud to support this initiative through events like “Bike with Your City Manager” and continued investment in bike infrastructure and accessibility.

The city supports the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan, which is dedicated to making Topeka a place that encourages its citizens to use this healthy, low impact, and fun form of transportation as a great part of their routine lives. You can learn more about the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan at:

Bikeways & Plan Updates

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the planned abatement along the Kansas River,
an individual was injured as a result of the cleanup process. Around 11:00 a.m., Utilities
Department employees were clearing the tree line on the north side of the Sardou Bridge when
a tent was picked up by machinery with an unsheltered individual inside. The person sustained
minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Abatement at this location
has been suspended for the day.

Per city policy, the employee operating the machinery was removed from the scene and
underwent drug testing. The Topeka Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit was present in
the area assisting affected residents and city staff were unaware of the individual’s presence at
that specific site before the incident.

As is standard procedure, city personnel maintain regular contact with residents when
performing abatements. City staff posted notice of abatement in the area during the week of
February 24.

The health and safety of the public is the city’s priority and we will continue to evaluate our
processes moving forward. The abatement process is on hold due to weather. The city will
continue to investigate how this incident occurred.

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is joining communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, 2025. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.

“Drinking Water Week is a reminder of how essential safe, reliable water is to every part of our lives – from the moment we wake up to the time we turn in for the night. I’m proud of the dedicated professionals in our Utilities Department who work around the clock to ensure our customers have access to clean water every single day,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis.

During Drinking Water Week, the City of Topeka will share a behind-the-scenes look at the treatment process, water conservation tips, and messages from water staff and Director Davis on its social media platforms. The City also shared activities and information with local elementary schools to encourage water education for young residents.

“Drinking Water Week is a time to celebrate the incredible journey of our water, from source water to treatments to our taps,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This year, we invite communities to explore the science and recognize the dedicated professionals behind our water who ensure every drop meets the highest standards of quality and safety.”

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is marking Drinking Water Week by engaging the community in understanding the vital role of clean, safe water in daily life, including its importance for public health and environmental protection.

About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.