Pedal-pushing fun seekers flocked to Prospect Park on Sunday for the first ever “Bike Day,” where cyclists of all skill levels learned about the wonders of human-powered transit.
“It went really well,” said Prospect Park Alliance rep Deborah Kirschner, who helped organize the event. “We ended up getting a really nice turnout.”
Instructors introduce the younger attendees to biking basics, taught lessons on tandem and hand-powered cycles, and gave out free helmets to promote safety.
Organizers also led a 3.35 mile ride through Brooklyn’s Backyard designated only for non–male cyclists in an effort to encourage women riders.
The event also featured a chance for growing youth to keep-up their love of cycling — as non-profit “Recycle-a-Bicycle” gave out 28 bikes to kids that had outgrown their first set of wheels, organizers said. Prospect Park Bike Day was co-sponsored by ride-sharing company Citi Bike, who used the event to promote their upcoming expansion — which will help promote biking in the neighborhoods to the south of the park, where access has historically been sporadic.
“The more people that have access to bike share the more liveable, healthier city it will be,” said Citi Bike spokesman Cory Epstein. “It’s really positive for public health and providing people with some really low cost exercise.”
