Cruising through the city is made easy and accessible with the annual Philly Bike Ride—and locals of any skill level can suit up and join in on the scenic occasion this fall.
The third iteration of the event, which shuts down streets in the city for safe riding, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 a.m. and is expected to attract around 7,000 cyclists. That number, according to a release, makes it one of the largest and fastest-growing recreational bicycling celebrations in the United States.
“We are thrilled to see the growth of this event as it becomes a tradition that both locals and visitors look forward to each year,” said Chris Browne, Managing Director of Philly Bike Ride in a statement.
“With the support of partners like Independence Blue Cross, and our growing community, this event showcases the accessibility and joy of biking for everyone. We can’t wait to see families, friends, and cycling enthusiasts come together to experience the beauty of the city this October.”
As Browne mentioned, the event’s sponsor, IBC, will be back this year and also return as the “Movement Zone” partner of the Finish Festival celebration held on Eakins Oval. The release also notes that this collaboration has been pivotal in advancing the event’s mission (to make biking more accessible for local residents and promote bike safety.) A portion of proceeds from the event will also go to support the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and their Youth Cycling Program (BCYC).
“We are delighted to support Philly Bike Ride and its ongoing celebration of bicycling and the vibrant Philadelphia spirit with riders of all ages,” said Dr. Rodrigo Cerdá, Independence Blue Cross senior vice president of Health Services and chief medical officer in a statement. “We are proud to be a part of the Ride’s continued growth and success, and we look forward to seeing the community come together on October 19.”
While participating in the Philly Bike Ride, locals will be able to catch iconic city locales like Independence Hall, City Hall, LOVE Park, Chinatown, Old City, Penn’s Landing and Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive. Riders can choose between a 20-mile course or a 7.6-mile version.
Both iterations will culminate at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, near the Rocky Steps, and then conclude with a free post-ride festival. The celebration at the end will feature live music, a movement zone with wellness activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly fun.
The Philly Bike Ride also offers convenient and affordable bike rentals for those who need it. Spots for the event start at $69 for adults ( kids ages 3-7 are free, and youth ages 8-17 are $35) and include a 2024 Philly Bike Ride water bottle, access to the 20-mile car-free course, and a Rider ID Kit. VIP packages and group pricing are also available.
More information and registration can be found online at phillybikeride.com
