The Long Island Transportation Alliance, an alternative transportation advocacy group, is holding its fourth annual Long Island Long Island Bike Parade on September 14.
Those interested in taking part in the 2-mile parade, beginning and ending in Denton Greek Park, can gather and sign in for the parade at 11:30 a.m. at that park, 99 Nicols Court, Hempstead. You can also click the register for the parade link here to register in advance for this free event.
The park will open by 10 a.m. for those who want to come early to decorate bikes. There will also be a briefer route for pedestrians, disabled participants and young children beginning at 260 Clinton St.
“Participants are encouraged to dress up and adorn their bicycles,” according to the Alliance. “There will be a festival with prizes for the best costumes and bikes at the end of the parade."
The theme of the event, also known as the Bike to Work Parade, this year is the environmental benefits of alternative means of transportation. There will be a police escort at the event, as well as cash prizes for “bicycle floats.”
There will be a $500 grand prize for the best “group” float and $200 for the best “individual” float. School clubs, bike clubs and neighborhood associations among others can enter group floats.
Long Island Streets, the NY Coalition for Transportation Safety, the Ethical Humanist Society of LI and the Village of Hempstead are sponsoring this year’s parade.
“There are many reasons why Long Islanders should support alternative forms of transportation, such as biking,” Sylvia Silberger, Car-less Long Island founder and parade chairwoman, said.
“Clearly it’s much more environmentally friendly and bicycle commuters are able to incorporate a healthier active life-style into their daily routine,” she added.
Silberger said cycling also reduces traffic congestion and providing pedestrian and bike-friendly areas benefits businesses.
She added that many Long Islanders “would like to be able to get around without a car, but are frustrated by the danger and inconvenience inherent alternative modes of transportation.”
Silberger said events like this can “allow Long Islanders who would like Long Island to be a more bike-friendly community realize that they are not alone.”
Participation in the parade is completely free, but participants are being encouraged to register in advance at http://litransportationalliance.org/parade2019.
Information about the parade, including a map, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities also are available on that page.