NEWARK, NJ — Bikes will roll free through the Brick City on Sunday, Oct. 8, taking riders through some of Newark’s great sights, like the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Branch Brook Park, Weequahic Park and the Ironbound.
Organized by Newark nonprofit bike advocacy group Brick City Bike Collective, the 16-mile ride will include two route options: a 5-mile family loop circling through the Ironbound, for all riders, then an optional 11-mile section to Weequahic Park and back, for those looking to go the full distance.
The ride will start at Washington Park at Washington and Broad streets at 11 a.m., and riders of the full 16 miles will finish back there at approximately 2 p.m. Escorted by members of the Newark Police Department, the ride will take a relaxed pace to welcome cyclists of all abilities to the city’s streets.
Held sporadically in previous years, the Newark Bike Tour — previously called “Tour de Newark” — was revived in 2015 by BCBC with the aim of making it an annual event. In 2016, it received a $2,000 grant from Celebrate Newark 350 and drew approximately 80 riders; the group said advance interest and coordination with other local bike groups suggest a larger turnout this year.
“It’s a great way to see Newark,” BCBC advocate Aimee Jefferson said, “and it’s a demonstration of Newark residents’ support for cycling as transportation and recreation that’s healthful, sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable.”
Registration is required and is free. Online registration is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newark-bike-ride-2017-tickets-37769407314. Limited in-person registration will be available at the starting line starting at 10 a.m., and closing at 10:45.
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