NEWARK — Bikes will roll free through the Brick City today, as the revived Tour de Newark celebrates cycling and the city’s 350th birthday.
According to officials, the tour is organized by Newark bike advocacy group Brick City Bike Collective (BCBC).
The 10-mile ride will start at Washington Park at Washington and Broad Streets at 11 a.m., and will finish back there around 1 p.m. and will be escorted by members of the Newark Police Department officials said.
Held sporadically in previous years, the Tour de Newark was revived last year by BCBC with the aim of making it a regular annual event. It drew about 50 riders on a chilly October day; the group said advance registration and warmer weather suggest a larger turnout this year.
This year’s ride is partly sponsored by a grant from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, via the city’s Newark 350 anniversary celebration committee.
“It’s a party for cycling and a birthday party for the city,” said Tony Borelli of BCBC, “but it’s also a demonstration of Newark residents’ support for cycling as transportation and recreation that’s healthful, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable", officials said.
Registration is required and is free, with a $5 suggested donation.
Online registration is available here: **https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-de-newark-2016-tickets-27477210075**.
There is limited in-person registration will be available at the starting line starting at 10 a.m. as time allows.