Many factors contribute to Philadelphia’s long history as a major cycling city, including its compactness, relatively level topography, and hundreds of miles of excellent paths. Even while biking has increased significantly as a result of the pandemic, it can be challenging, to say the least, to be safe while pedalling through urban streets.
You’re in luck this fall if you’re sick of worrying about stressed-out drivers, parked car doors opening without warning, avoiding SEPTA buses, pedestrians not looking both ways before crossing the street, and other cycling-related problems. The first Philly Bike Ride will shut down 20 miles of city streets on Saturday, October 15, so cyclists of all ages can ride worry-free throughout Philadelphia. No, that’s right. Cars!
American Bike Ride is organising a brand-new event in Philadelphia. This company organises cycling competitions in significant American cities in collaboration with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. According to organisers, the social ride, which is not a race, began in D.C. in 2016 and has drawn over 40,000 people.
Notable, isn’t it? Find out everything you need to know about the Philadelphia cycling event below so you can be prepared before donning your helmet and hitting the road.
The programme
The entire race traverses Philadelphia over 20 miles from Penn’s Landing to Manayunk. The tour concentrates on some of the most well-known, Instagrammable locations in the city and begins and concludes at the Art Museum. Highlights of the course include:
- The Franklin Institute is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at mile 0.6.
- 0.8 miles: the recognisable LOVE statue
- City Hall and Reading Terminal Market are at miles 1.2 to 1.4.
- Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing, and the Delaware River Waterfront are all located in miles 2-4.
- South Philadelphia, miles 4-6
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway at milepost 7.5
- Eighth mile: Boathouse Row
- Main Street in Manayunk, at mile 13.4, loop back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Mile 20)
Choose the six-mile route if you don’t want to bike 20 miles in one day but would still like to participate in the trip. It takes the same path as the beginning of the 20-mile race but skips Kelly Drive and Manayunk.
Who may take part?
The Philly Bike Ride is a closed-course, non-competitive event perfect for families because it is open to riders aged three and up.
If you’re bringing young children, be aware that they must ride in a child bike seat, tag-along/tandem bike, bike trailer, or bike luggage to ride for free. Ages eight to seventeen can ride their bikes for a reduced price, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany them to participate.
