Newark Bike Tour Returns To Brick City, Will Include NPD Escort

NEWARK, NJ — Looking for an excuse to get outside for some local sightseeing in Newark before the cold weather sets in?

Bikes will roll free through the streets of the Brick City this Sunday, showing riders some of Newark’s great sights, such as Branch Brook Park, Weequahic Park, the Ironbound and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

According to event organizers, Newark bike advocacy group Brick City Bike Collective (BCBC), the 16-mile ride will include two route options, a 5-mile family loop circling through the Ironbound, for all riders, then an optional 11-mile route down to Weequahic Park and back, for those looking to go the full distance.

The ride will start at Washington Park at Washington and Broad Streets at 11 a.m. Riders of the full 16 miles will finish back there around 2 p.m. (Learn more here)

Escorted by members of the Newark Police Department, the ride will take a relaxed pace to welcome cyclists of all abilities to the city’s streets.

Held sporadically in previous years, the Newark Bike Tour (previously called “Tour de Newark”) was revived in 2015by BCBC and has become a regular annual event. Last year, despite heavy rain that delayed the start, more than 100 cyclists rode the tour. The group said advance interest and coordination with other local bike groups suggest more growth this year; as of Tuesday morning, 232 cyclists had registered online.

“It’s a great way to see Newark,” BCBC President Aimee Jefferson said. “And it’s a demonstration of Newark residents’ support for cycling as transportation and recreation that’s healthful, safe, sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable.”

Registration is required and is free, with a $5 suggested donation. Online registration and further information are available at NewarkBikeTour.org. Limited in-person registration will be available at the starting line after 9 a.m. as time allows.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here.

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Chris Kok