Mayor Nutter Thanks Everyone, Drops Some Great Quotes At Bike To Work Day

"It is absolutely the best way to get to work. I always look forward to Bike to Work Day...This is the best thing I'm going to do today."

That was Mayor Nutter in Love Park this morning, speaking in front of press and a crowd of more than 100 cyclists for Bike To Work Day.

The event was well-attended by a wide spectrum of Philadelphia officials. Mayor Nutter, Deputy Mike DiBerardinis from Parks & Recreation, and Councilman Mark Squilla all participated in the ride. Deputy Mayor Rina Culter from MOTU joined us for the press conference.

One inspiring part of the event was the number of Philadelphia-based bicycling-related companies and organizations involved. In attendance was ZipCar (car-sharing), Fuji (major bicycling manufacturer), Gearing Up (bicycling-focused social service), Wash Cycle (bicycle-powered laundry service), Cosmic Cafe (food vendor for bike/ped trail), Pedal Co-Op (recycling and delivery) and Wheel Fun (bicycle rentals). Taken together, they represent a city with an established and growing bicycle culture.

Mayor Nutter used his remarks to thank a wide variety of event participants (including our own Alex Doty and Sarah Clark Stuart by name). He also hit on some important subjects for Philadelphia bicyclists:

New amenities in Wissahickon & on SRT good for cyclists

As reported in today's Inquirer, two new cafes have opened in Fairmount Park to comfort tired, hungry and thirsty bicylists, hikers, and runners.  This is a welcome development, considering that the Lloyd Hall cafe has been closed all summer. Kudos to the many different folks involved in making these two eateries possible, including Phila's Dept. of Park and Recreation and the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust.

In East Falls, situated under Roosevelt Boulevard along  Kelly Drive is Trolley Car Cafe at the Bathey.  According to Destination Schuylkill River:
 "The historical structure, once a bath house, was rehabbed to accommodate the eatery, while also providing amenities to trail users including bicycle rentals, restrooms and an interactive gateway exhibit. What's more is that there is a convenient low-cost public parking lot (50 cents an hour!) located right there which makes East Falls a great jumping off point."

At the top of Wissahickon Park is the recently opened Cedars House.  Geared towards runners, it's a great spot for mountain bikers to stop in to grab a bite.

Note: each eatery has BATHROOMS (for customers only) and the Bathey House has Bike Rentals by Valley Forge Bicycles!