Last Year’s Ride (Photo: Street Films)
Oct. 7, 2019 By Allie Griffin
The third annual “Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride” returns this weekend to celebrate Sunnyside’s protected bike lanes.
On Saturday, Oct 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Queens families are invited to bring their bicycles and join the ride starting at Lou Lodati Playground, 41-15 Skillman Ave. between 41st and 42nd Streets. Riders will meet inside the playground beyond the GrowNYC Sunnyside Greenmarket at noon.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., participants will circle the neighborhood, touring three parks, two public schools, a public library and the neighborhood business corridors, escorted by officers from the NYPD 108th Precinct. The final stretch of the three-mile bike ride travels along the tree-lined streets of Sunnyside Gardens Historic District on Skillman Avenue/ Lewis Mumford Way.
(Transportation Alternatives Queens/ Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride)
At 1 p.m., riders will return to the playground for complimentary pizza provided by Uncle Jimmy’s Pizzeria and beverages donated by both Turkiyem Market and Skillman Pets. The Queens Public Library will also be on hand at the playground with its three-wheeled “bookcycle,” a mobile library for cardholders to borrow books and magazines.
From those who use training wheels to expert cyclists, children of all ages and cycling abilities are encouraged to attend. All riders must have a bicycle in good working condition and children under the age of 14-years-old are required to bring and wear a helmet. Gloves are also recommended. Runners, scooters, skateboards and similar mobility are welcome as well.
The annual bike ride first began as a celebration of the protected bike lanes that the Department of Transportation installed in 2018.
“Safer streets are helping our communities transition away from dangerous, unhealthy, and destructive fossil-fueled transportation,” said Woodside resident and event co-organizer Laura Shepard. “As we teach children how to enjoy their streets responsibly, we’re also working towards ensuring a sustainable future for them.”
