See Philly’s Famous Landmarks and Sights at This Social and City-Wide Bike Ride

If you’ve ever biked through Philadelphia — or any major city for that matter — you know that you have to share the road with cars, trucks and motorists of all kinds. It can get crowded out on the streets, and you have to have your wits about you. 

But for one special day, with the inaugural Philly Bike Ride on October 15, city roads are closed off for bicyclists of all ages. Run by American Bike Ride — a nationwide organization that puts on rides in cities across the U.S. — the day-long event provides an opportunity to go at your own pace through Philadelphia’s famous landmarks and scenic neighborhoods. In addition to epic views, the route also features local music, rest stops and photo zones. 

Philly Bike Ride wants to make the event as accessible as possible, offering bike rentals and different registration tiers and courses for you to pick from—riders can choose between a six-mile journey or the standard 20-mile ride designed to take you through all of Philadelphia’s greatest hits. It’s also a chance to support an organization using its mission as a force for good. A portion of event proceeds will support the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling program, now in its 50th year encouraging youth development in cycling and providing support for its participants in their communities. 

In advance of the big day, here’s what you need to know about Philly Bike Ride and the sights not to miss as you cruise all over the city, so you can get prepped for the perfect route for you. 

Spreading the Philly Bike Ride LOVE

Philly Bike Ride is a ride, not a race. That means you can bring the whole family — kids ages 3 to 7 are free, while kids ages 8 to 17 are half-price — and go at whatever pace suits you best. 

If you’re looking to go at a more leisurely pace, you can snap a pic for the gram at all of Philadelphia’s famous landmarks. There is perhaps none more photogenic than the LOVE sign that headlines LOVE Park. And speaking of Instagram, the Philly Bike Ride route also provides an amazing view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge as you come down Race Street. 

What’s more, it wouldn’t be a Philly Bike Ride without passing by Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Take in the building where the American Revolution was born, or walk over to the center where the Liberty Bell is housed and marvel at the symbol that represents the city as well as anything else. Post to your socials and show your friends all the fun you’re having along your ride. 

Boathouse Row

You’ve probably seen the colorful 19th-century boathouses that line along the Schuylkill River on TV before. And now you have a chance to get up close and personal with them. Ride along the water and wave to your fellow adventurers paddling away in their kayaks and canoes.

The city is defined by its neighborhoods, and no bike ride through the city would be complete without taking in some local flavor. Further along the route is one of Philadelphia’s favorite and most recognizable neighborhoods, Manayunk. Go ahead and cruise on Main Street and maybe even drop by one of the many local businesses that permeate the area!

Fists in the Air, Rocky Style

Finishing a 20-mile bike ride calls for a celebration, and Philly Bike Ride has you covered. As you complete your ride at the same place you’ll start it, the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps — better known as the Rocky Steps after the famous fictional boxing folk hero — you’ll be greeted by a festive atmosphere featuring live music and entertainment, food trucks and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to cap a perfect Philadelphia day of exercising and enjoying the company every mile of the way.

For more information on Philly Bike Ride and to register today, head here.

This is a paid partnership between American Bike Ride, LLC and Philadelphia Magazine