BICYCLE COALITION OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA
For Immediate Release September 9, 2011

Contact:
Alex Doty, Executive Director

(p) 215-242-9253, x301

(cell) 215-239-4749

alex@bicyclecoalition.org 


Bicycle Coalition's Annual Bike Ride Happening Sunday
Center City Streets Closed For Bicyclists In City's Largest Bike Ride 
  

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011.  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.  The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's annual family bike ride, Bike Philly, is a go on Sunday, September 11th. The ride takes several thousand riders through Center City and Fairmount Park, closing those roads to vehicular traffic for several hours in the morning.

 

Now in its fifth year, the Bicycle Coalition uses the ride as a fundraiser and as a demonstration of bicycling's widespread appeal in the city. The closed-streets ride appeals to inexperienced riders and families with children, as well as those who want to see bicycling play a more prominent role in the city's transportation planning. Between 2,000 and 3,000 riders are expected to participate this year.

 

"In past years, 75% of Bike Philly's ridership came from out of town," said Alex Doty, the Bicycle Coalition's Executive Director. "It's a boon for the city, economically and for the city's green image. They spend money and they see the improvements Philadelphia has made to its bicycling infrastructure. That leaves a positive impression."

 

The ride happens rain or shine. The ride begins at Eakins Oval at 8:00 AM, but riders are encouraged to arrive by 7:30am. Riders complete 10, 20, or 35-mile courses and return to Eakins Oval. The route takes riders through Logan Square, Chinatown, Old City, Society Hill, Fairmount Park, past several Philadelphia landmarks, and outlying suburban townships in Montgomery & Delaware Counties.  

 

Online registration closes on Saturday, September 10th at 5pm and day-of registration will be available at Eakins Oval beginning at 6:30 AM until 7:30AM. More information on the ride and its routes is available at www.bikephilly.org.

 

Photo opportunity at east-facing Philadelphia Museum of Art steps from 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM and along the ride course starting at 8:00 AM.  Locations along the ride course include 10th & Arch, Columbus Blvd at the Race Street Pier, Broad & Lombard St, Logan Square, and the Girard Street Bridge.

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