This Week Is Like WHOA For Bicycling Activities In Philly

If every week in Philadelphia was this bicycle-friendly, we could pack up our shop and go start the All-Volunteer-Dog Sled Dog Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (AVDSDCGP), which is of course our second-favorite mode of transportation.

There are three bike rides happening this week that feature police escorts through Center City streets. These rides are perfect for newer riders, biking with children, or just getting to enjoy a ride without worrying about cars.

Then Saturday and Sunday feature two big bicycle culture events featuring food and fabulousness! Check it out below, print out this list, and gorge yourself on two-wheeled happiness.

Wednesday: Ride of Silence
What: A police-escorted, 7-mile ride through Center City. Easy, slow, silent.
Why: A ride honoring people killed while on bicycles and reminding all of bicyclists' rights to share the road safely. More info here.
When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Meet up at the Art Museum Steps

Friday: Bike to Work Day with Mayor Nutter
What: A police-escorted, 1.5 mile ride from Boathouse Row to Love Park.
Why: Celebrate Bike to Work Day because it's fun, the weather is beautiful, and biking is great!
When: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM (the ride itself is roughly 8:15 - 8:30 AM)
Where: Meet up at Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row)

Saturday: First Annual "Safety First" Center City Bike Ride
What: A police-escorted 10-mile fun ride through Center City. Easy, great for families.
Why: Stress importance of bicycle safety and raise funds (through a raffle) for youth programs at Neighborhood Bike Works and the Philadelphia Police Athletic League.
When: 9:00 AM - Noon
Where: Meet up in Washington Square Park (6th & Walnut Street)
Register to attend here: http://centercityride.eventbrite.com/

Saturday: Trenton Ave Arts Festival (aka Kinetic Sculpture Derby)
What: A big ol' day of art, food, community organizations, and kinetic sculptures!
Why: This is why
When: Noon - 5:00 PM
Where: Intersection of Trenton Ave & Norris Street in Kensington.
More info: http://trentonaveartsfest.org/

Sunday: Dinner and Bikes with Elly Blue
What: Bicycling extraordinaire Elly Blue talks transportation equity while you eat a gourmet vegan dinner.
Why: Elly Blue is one of the biggest voices in bicycling writing in the country, and she's bringing her talk/dinner/documentary tour through Philly.
When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: RUBA Club; 414 Green Street (1 block north of Silk City on Spring Garden).
Tickets $25 individual, $15 student. NOT available at the door. Buy them here: http://dinnerandbikesphilly.eventbrite.com/