Everything you need to know about the 2024 Philly Bike Ride, a social and advocacy-driven event

Once the corral gates open and thousands of cyclists hit Philadelphia’s car-free streets, Center City will resemble rush hour in Copenhagen, Denmark, or Utrecht, Netherlands.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, around 6,000 bike riders will participate in the third annual Philly Bike Ride, a 20-mile (or 7.6-mile) ride meant to highlight the need for better biking accessibility for local residents and promote bike safety.

Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, the event also benefits the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

“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 the Philly Bike Ride. “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.”

The event’s mission strikes a chord with many in Philadelphia, especially in light of three hit-and-run incidents on July 17. On that day, 30-year-old CHOP resident and future pediatric oncologist Barbara Freides was killed while riding her bike, a 26-year-old woman was hit while crossing the street in Germantown, and a man in his 50s was struck while standing on a corner in Kensington.

On Sunday night, a 42-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver in North Philadelphia.

“Seeing so many bike riders enjoying car-free streets is an important reminder of how accessible and inclusive cycling can be for all Philadelphians,” said Lana Harshaw of Philly‘s Bicycle Coalition. “It highlights the potential of the city to become a more bike-friendly environment, promoting safety and enjoyment for riders of all ages.”

Here is everything you need to know about Philadelphia’s largest social and advocacy-driven bike-riding event, the 2024 Philly Bike Ride.

Anyone 3 years and older can participate by registering at phillybikeride.com.

Riders and companions ages 3 to 7 ride for free. All youth riders need to be accompanied by a parent at all times during the ride. Information for the Philly Bike Ride can be found at phillybikeride.com.

The Philly Bike Ride starts at 7:30 a.m. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 20th and 22nd Streets near Logan Square and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

The route will loop around Center City, passing City Hall, Reading Terminal Market, Race Street Pier, Penn’s Landing, the Italian Market, and Graduate Hospital before returning to the museum area. Riders will then head along the Schuylkill onto Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail, ride north to the Falls Bridge, cross onto MLK Drive, and finish back at the Art Museum steps.

Along the route, riders will encounter the city’s famous sightseeing attractions, live music and performances, and snacks and samples from partners.

The National Weather Service and Accuweather expect a sunny Saturday morning with highs near 70 and a mild breeze.

From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the “Finish Festival” will take place at Eakins Oval in front of the Art Museum, featuring live music, merch shops, a New Belgium Beer Garden, Shake Shack, and food trucks.

Bike racks and fixtures will be provided for securing bikes during the festival, but bike locks aren’t supplied.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, these streets, roads, and bridges in Philadelphia will be closed for the Philly Bike Ride:

On Saturday, Oct. 19, there will be no parking allowed on these streets:

Here’s The Inquirer’s guide on what to do if you park on a restricted seat and your car is “courtesy towed” by PPA and the Philadelphia Police.