Westfield Bicyclists of All Ages Invited to Register for 3rd Annual Tour de Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — As September ushers in the return of school and the gradual departure of hot, humid weather, in Westfield it also brings the return of a fun-filled family event that includes a bike parade, free riding lessons and more.

Tour de Westfield, a free, 2-mile bike parade for Westfield families to encourage healthy movement and enjoying togetherness, returns for its third year on Sept. 8.

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“The core piece of the event is the family bike parade, and each year we switch up the extra activities and features,” said Westfield Director of Recreation Megan Schaffer. “The purpose of this event is to encourage families to go outside and exercise together. Everyone's lives are busy, and unfortunately planned exercise and gym times are often the first thing to get bumped from the daily schedule.”

WATCH: Cyclists Bike Through Town at 2023 Tour de Westfield

“We want to provide the community with an event where they get to go outside and exercise with their children and neighbors,” Schaffer said. “Maybe this doesn't help families get to the gym more often, but we hope that they have such a good time with us at the Tour de Westfield, that it encourages them to start going on family bike rides or walks.”

Those interested in riding with the community are invited to gather at the North Side Train Station on Sept. 8. Parking will be available at the South Side Train Station lot, and bike helmets must be worn.

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Though registration for the event closes Sept. 4, T-shirts will be provided to all who register before Aug. 25.

“New this year, the Recreation Department has partnered with EZRIDE to offer free bike-riding classes the morning of Sept. 8,” Schaffer said. “Registration is required and can be done on Civic Rec . Additionally, we will be collecting used bikes to assist the Rotary Club with their efforts to donate bikes to the developing world.

“Lastly, there will be a bike stunt show performed by the Dialed Action Sports Team following the bike parade. Participants and attendees should stick around after they finish the race and enjoy the show.”

Event activities will include:

Learn to Ride with EZRide, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free bike-riding lessons for Westfield children ages 5-10 will be offered through a partnership between the Westfield Recreation Department and EZRide. Participants will learn first approach, balance and pedaling skills.

Registration (separate from Tour de Westfield Parade registration) is required because spots are limited for each session. All participants must bring the appropriate size bike with fully inflated tires, and helmets and sneakers must be worn at all times.

Participants must be able to place feet flat on the ground while seated, and no training wheels are allowed. Parent and adult supervision is required during the class.

Tour de Westfield Bike Parade, 11 a.m. Bring your bikes and helmets and ride along with the Westfield Police Department on a family-friendly, 2-mile bike parade, suitable for anyone who can ride a bike.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. Participants should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up their free bike bag and line up for the event. The parade will leave the north side of the train station parking lot promptly at 11 a.m. Registration, which closes Sept. 4, is required.

Westfield Police Department Bike Safety Rodeo, 10 a.m.– noon
Learn the elements of bike safety directly from Westfield police officers. Participants will learn how to make turns, what side of the street to ride on and much more. No registration required.

Jays' Cycle Center Bike Checks, 10 a.m.- noon
Have your bicycle checked to make sure it's safe to ride by the experts at Jay's Cycle Center of Westfield.

Used Bike Donations Accepted
During the Tour de Westfield event, donations of youth and adult used but operable bicycles will be accepted. All donations will be distributed to underprivileged communities to provide affordable, eco-friendly transportation and encourage active lifestyles.

Bike Stunt Show
A bike stunt show performed by the Dialed Action Sports Team will follow the bike parade.

“This event is a joint effort. Staff members of the Recreation Department and Police Department, as well as volunteers from the Recreation Commission, put in a lot of time and effort to make sure that the Tour de Westfield is a success, year after year,” Schaffer noted, also mentioning contributions from the Green Team , the Bicycle Advisory Board , Jay’s Cycle Center and the Bike Coalition.

“With that being said, we are looking forward to seeing members of the community with their families, getting some exercise and enjoying what we hope to be a warm fall day,” she added.

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