Boston Bike Party Organizer Elodie Garcia (right) out on a night ride with her friends. PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO
Hundreds of cyclists are gearing up for Boston’s first ever “Bike Party” Tuesday night, hopping on a nation-wide trend that is meant to pump up the cycling experience.
“When I moved to Boston a couple of months ago, I saw so many bikers, and the city is really nice, and has a lot of infrastructure for bicycles,” said Boston Bike Party Organizer Elodie Garcia, 25. “So I just wanted to spread the fun.”
Other cities’ Bike Parties have had themes – like a Robot Ride in D.C. and a Rubik’s Cube Ride in San Francisco – but Tuesday’s bike party will be pretty straight forward. Organizers collected song requests, and intend to lead the group by having cyclists follow the music.
Garcia, who is originally from France, said she was inspired by a similar Bike Party in D.C.
“I just loved it. It’s a really nice feeling to be with other people on bikes. There is a spirit to try and be friendly with the cars. Even if I have to block traffic a little bit, we try to do it as fast as possible,” she said.
As of deadline Monday, nearly 430 people had RSVPed on the event’s Facebook page.
Cyclists plan to meet at 7.30 p.m. at Dewey Square. The ride sets off at 8 p.m., and will take the group on a two-hour cruise up to Fan Pier Plaza to Seaport Boulevard, around South Boston then through the South End. The ride comes to a halt on Boylston Street near the Prudential Center, at which point party-goers have the chance to mix and mingle at local bars or restaurants.
The cruising speed is capped at 10 miles per hour, according to Garcia, who said the ride includes a pit stop at Castle Island.
Since the ride will take place at night, Garcia said she plans to instruct participants “to ride safely.”
“Wearing a helmet is better, and being friendly with other cars. We basically want to have a friendly bike culture for cyclists and (motorists).”
The party has the potential for success, in Garcia’s opinion, which is why she think’s it will catch on.
“It’s a really open minded event.”
Check out this video of a similar event in 2011 – a Boston Halloween Bike Ride.
Follow Morgan Rousseau on Twitter: @MetroMorgan
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