If you wanted to know what holiday cheer is, you would’ve found it, posted up, as I was, on 4th and Ritner as cyclists of all ages streamed past smiling, waving, and sharing festive greetings.
Decked in their holiday finest, over 400 cyclists joined BCGP and our friends at Wednesday Night Rides in South Philly for a 7-mile loop that included the beautiful street displays on 2nd and Mifflin, the legendary loops on South Colorado and South Smedley, and the iconic Miracle on 13th Street.
Despite the wet weather in the hours leading up to our annual tour of South Philly’s decked out streets, the rain wrapped up just in time for us to enjoy this tradition of ours warm and dry. Our ride kicked off and wrapped up on Passyunk Avenue, right in front of Bell’s Bike Shop, who graciously hosted us before and after the ride, and Cartesian Brewing, who welcomed us for After Party libations.
This ride would not have been possible without our more than twenty volunteer marshals, including members of Wednesday Night Rides and youth cyclists from BCYC. If you were there, THANK YOU for bringing your best festive spirit! We are overjoyed to have so much participation in this ride—Holiday Lights has been a hallmark of the Coalition’s programming for years, at its core an essentially Philly experience, eagerly anticipated and fun for both staff and across families in our community.
The event also highlights the strength and visibility of cyclists during a time of reduced daylight and less responsible driving habits. Shout out to Kim Gilmore who won the Glow Up Raffle!
We want to give a big shout out to our Presenting Sponsor, the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Many thanks to Steve Palladinetti of Bell’s Bike Shop for coordinating ride start and after-party logistics, and to Cartesian Brewing for their warm hospitality. We’re deeply grateful to these local businesses for bringing the South Philly love. We can’t wait for next year!
Safe streets are a right, not a privilege. We’re creating a stronger community WITH YOU! Investing in our year-round advocacy and education work makes Greater Philadelphia a safer and more fun place to ride—right now, the Coalition is asking 750 folks to join or renew their support for another year to continue that work. More info here.