Bike Philly

Sun., Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $10-$75, Art Museum steps, 2600 Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-242-9253, bicyclecoalition.org.

by Julia West

Sick of sharing the road with gargantuan Hummers — or even pesky little hybrids — while you cruise by on two wheels? This weekend, all of that changes.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and TD Bank have teamed up to provide bikers with the opportunity to view Philly from the comforts of their own banana seats, rather than bucket seats. There will be four route lengths ranging from 10 to 50 miles, and a rolling closure system will be enforced on the 10- and 20-mile routes, making all roads open to cars again by 10:30 a.m.

The Coalition's events director, Maria Dziembowska, describes the family-friendly ride as a way for cyclists to "take over the streets." She also thinks it's a good opportunity for first-timers. "People who are intimidated by city riding can get out there and give it a try in a safe environment," she says.

The ride begins at the Art Museum steps and goes down Ben Franklin Parkway to 16th Street, meanders through Center City, and then moves on to Chinatown and Old City. From there, participants will take MLK Drive to Strawberry Mansion Bridge, and those prepared to take on the 50-mile challenge will cruise through Conshohocken's Fayette Street Bridge and along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Bike Philly is more than a joy ride, though. The money from its registration fees will help support the Coalition's work, which includes collaborating with the city to create more bike lanes. That's only one of the reasons Dziembowska encourages people to come out Sunday, though. The slightly nerdy director, whose personal steed is a Breezer-Finesse, insists it'll be nothing less than "a party on wheels."

Sun., Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $10-$75, Art Museum steps, 2600 Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-242-9253, bicyclecoalition.org.