Hats off to Bilenky Cycle Works and everyone who helped put together the biggest Philly Bike Expo in the history of the event.
The 2017 Philly Bike Expo took place this past weekend, November 4th and 5th, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In total, there were 177 vendor booths and 4,677 tickets sold/people registered.
“This year’s growth was important as it reflected the traction we are gaining in the bike industry,” said Bike Expo Coordinator Bina Bilenky. “Companies and attendees are understanding our vision of an inclusive bicycle event that represents all aspects of the cycling industry and culture.”
This year’s vendors featured a heavy presence of both e-bikes and children’s bicycles. There were numerous panel discussions at the event, too, on all sorts of topics. Bicycle Coalition also hosted or co-hosted several panels, including a panel about the Circuit Trails, a panel about e-bikes, and an especially popular and positive panel called “Cyclist’s Journey: Four Stories on How They Got from There to Here.”
There were several events outside the expo throughout the weekend, too, including the Vendor Bender at Firth and Wilson Transport Cycles, and happy hour events at Philadelphia Brewing Company and Fergie’s Pub in Center City. Lagunitas generously donated beer to the Vendor Bender event, the donations to which benefitted Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling.
Bina Bilenky noted it was especially nice to see so many children participating in the Expo, and taking test rides.
“We are so thankful for the support over the years and it was so fun seeing kids enjoying the test track and ArtBike! Activities,” she said. “They are the next generation of racers, commuters, frame builders and advocates!”