New 'Tour De Westfield' Bike And Trike Parades Announced; Sign Up With Link

WESTFIELD, NJ — Kids and adults can participate in or watch the first-ever "Tour De Westfield" Bike Parade a week from Sunday, and there will also be music, contests, and a small trike parade for younger kids. The link to register is below.

This first-ever resident community biking event will be held Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Activities include a two-mile family bike parade led by the Westfield Police Department, a WPD Bike Safety Rodeo, the "Tour de Tots" activity for younger children on tricycles, and a Safe Bike Check hosted by Jay's Cycle Center.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at the North Side Train Station Lot with music by DJ Alan Keith Entertainment.

However, the actual police-led parade will start at the North Side Train Station around 11 a.m. The city encourages participants to plan to arrive by 10:30 to line up. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

"If you can't join in the parade, be sure to cheer on the participants along the bike route!" the city said. "The best spot for a spectacular show will be on East Broad, Elm or Quimby streets."

The parade will end back at the train station.

Tour de Tots

Westfield youngest riders can register for Tour de Tots, where participants will ride around a track as they learn how to make turns and stop all while facing fun obstacles.

The city says, "For those who don't yet ride a bike but want to participate in the fun, this is the activity for you! Bring your tricycle or scooter (no bikes), or use one that will be provided for you. There will be a limited number of slots for this event — be sure to register participating children for a 15-minute time slot. Parents must accompany their child and cannot leave any child unattended."

Participants can also vie for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to a Westfield business by decorating bikes in the Bling Your Bike Contest. Or, compete to win $150 toward an ice cream or pizza party at a local eatery when registering for the Bike Parade using a team name — the largest team to enter and participate wins.

Make the day complete by visiting the shops and eateries in Downtown Westfield. A bike corral will be staffed so that attendees can store their bikes and enjoy the downtown.

Schedule of Events

• 10-12: WPD Bike Safety Rodeo, Tour de Tots, Safe Bike Check, Bling Your Bike Contest
• 10:15 a.m.: Bling Your Bike Contest Winners Announced at DJ Booth
• 10:30 a.m.: Line up for Bike Parade
• 11 a.m.: Two-Mile Police-led Bike Parade

Register Through This Link

Register early through your Westfield Recreation Department account. Registrations before Sept. 21 will receive a free t-shirt at the event on a first come, first served basis.

This event is part of Westfield's first-ever Green Energy Week, and is brought to you by the Recreation Commission & Department, in collaboration with the Westfield Police Department, Green Team, Bicycle Advisory Board, BRAKES Coalition & Downtown Westfield Corporation.

The fun doesn't stop there! As part of Green Energy Week, there will be an Alternative Energy Fair, Westfield's largest electric transportation show to date, hosted by the Westfield Green Team on Oct. 2.

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